Khamenei has handed over Iran's administrative affairs to his advisor Larijani

Tehran, 23 February (Agency). As the possibility of a US attack on Iran increases and the possibility of reaching an agreement also exists, the Iranian leadership is preparing for the worst-case scenario. According to the New York Times, high-ranking Iranian officials have revealed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has entrusted Ali Larijani, one of his most trusted associates, with the responsibility of running the country's affairs in the face of increasing possibilities of a confrontation with the US. This is also due to concerns about his own and his son Mojtaba's assassination.

Previously, six high-ranking Iranian officials, three members of the Revolutionary Guards, and former diplomats clarified that Larijani has been practically handling sensitive political and security matters since the beginning of protests in the country and US threats in early January. Since then, 67-year-old Larijani, an experienced politician, former commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and current head of the Supreme National Security Council, has been practically running the country's affairs. This situation has pushed President Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon turned politician, to the background, who has been facing a difficult year in office.

These six officials and members of the Revolutionary Guards stated that Khamenei has issued strict instructions to Larijani and a few close political and military associates to ensure the survival of the "Islamic Republic" in the face of any US or Israeli attack and attempts to assassinate the Supreme Leader and other high-ranking officials. They further explained that Khamenei's instructions include designating four alternative individuals for every military or government position that he appoints, and all commanders have been required to nominate four possible successors.

They have also been given the authority to make decisions if Khamenei loses contact or is killed. Officials revealed that Iran is now operating on the assumption that a US attack is inevitable and imminent, despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations on the nuclear issue, and has put its entire military on high alert. Tehran has also installed ballistic missile launch pads near its western border with Iraq and on its southern coast, targeting Israel.

It has closed its airspace several times for missile tests and conducted exercises in the Gulf, including a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In the event of war, the Revolutionary Guards' special forces, police, intelligence, and Basij forces will be deployed on the streets of major cities to prevent unrest and identify elements linked to foreign intelligence agencies.

The Iranian leadership's plans also include scenarios for the survival of the political system, including determining who would lead the country if Khamenei and other high-ranking officials are killed. The leadership is also considering who could be Iran's "Dell" - a reference to Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who negotiated with the Trump administration after the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro.

According to officials, Larijani is at the top of the list, followed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and former President Hassan Rouhani, despite Rouhani being distanced from Khamenei's circles. This information comes at a time when Iranian and US sides are preparing for the third round of nuclear talks in Geneva next Thursday, following two previous rounds in Muscat and a Swiss city, which were deemed positive.

This progress comes amid an increase in US military movements in the region and Iran's military preparations.