Amid escalating military tensions between Iran and the United States, reports from Tehran indicate a significant restructuring of the country's power hierarchy. According to a report by the New York Times, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has implemented a major reshuffle in the national security and military command. Under this new directive, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ali Larijani has been granted extraordinary powers. This decision comes as Iran prepares for a potential conflict with the US and Israel, aiming to centralize its defense apparatus for rapid response. Officials suggest that Khamenei's move is intended to streamline decision-making during what is perceived as a critical wartime period.
Expansion of Ali Larijani's Executive Powers
Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the Iranian administration following the Supreme Leader's order, while larijani now holds direct authority over major security, military, and diplomatic operations. His expanded mandate includes overseeing defensive strategies and making critical decisions in wartime scenarios. According to official sources, Larijani is now coordinating directly with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other military branches. He has also been tasked with managing nuclear negotiations and maintaining diplomatic channels with key allies such as Russia, Qatar, and Oman.
Impact on President Masoud Pezeshkian's Administration
This shift in the power balance has raised questions regarding the role of Iran's newly elected President, Masoud Pezeshkian. Reports indicate that the President's influence over major security and military decisions has been effectively curtailed. Khamenei's decision implies that critical choices regarding war and peace will now be channeled directly through the Supreme Leader's office and Larijani. This administrative change signals that the top leadership views the current geopolitical climate as an emergency wartime situation rather than a standard political environment. The President's office is expected to focus primarily on domestic governance and economic management.
Strategic Military Mobilization and Missile Deployments
In anticipation of potential hostilities, Iran has placed its military forces on high alert. Intelligence reports suggest that Iran has begun relocating its advanced missile systems to various strategic locations across the country. This includes the movement of assets to underground missile silos and mobile launching platforms. Military officials stated that these deployments are designed to ensure a swift retaliatory capability in the event of an airstrike. Plus, Iran has reinforced its defense infrastructure with additional security layers to protect critical installations and high-value government assets from external threats.
Naval Activities in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has intensified its naval presence in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Recently, the Iranian military conducted a successful test of the Sayyad-3G missile in this region, a move interpreted as a clear signal to US and Israeli forces. The Strait of Hormuz is a primary corridor for global oil supplies, and increased Iranian activity there remains a point of concern for international energy markets. Under Larijani's oversight, the Iranian Navy has initiated continuous military drills aimed at securing maritime borders and deterring any foreign naval intervention in the Persian Gulf.
Internal Security and Succession Contingency Plans
Supreme Leader Khamenei has not only focused on the military front but has also established comprehensive plans to ensure the continuity of governance. According to the New York Times, Iran has implemented a multi-layered succession plan designed to maintain the structure of the regime and military command even if the top leadership is targeted. On top of that, domestic security forces have been issued specific directives to manage internal stability during wartime. These measures include preparing security personnel to suppress any potential unrest and ensuring that law and order are maintained within the country's borders during a conflict.