Iran's security chief Ali Larijani has emerged as the central figure in Iran's security hierarchy following devastating air strikes that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As the nation reels from the attack, Larijani has moved to establish a temporary leadership council to maintain control. His rapid ascent follows a year of accumulating immense power, where he has effectively taken charge of the country’s most sensitive portfolios, from nuclear negotiations to suppressing internal unrest.

A Veteran Strategist at the Helm

The 67-year-old politician is a seasoned establishment insider. Born into an elite clerical family, his career includes time as a Revolutionary Guards commander and 12 years as the Speaker of Parliament. In August, he was appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a role that has seen him sideline the elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian. While the president has admitted his own limitations in the face of national crises, Larijani has been the one authorising high-level diplomatic contacts and managing the state's survival plans. 

Managing War and Diplomacy

Larijani’s relevance is now defined by his dual role as a wartime strategist and a diplomatic lead. He recently accused the United States and Israel of attempting to dismantle Iran and warned of a fierce response to any internal secessionist movements following the latest wave of attacks. These strikes also reportedly claimed the life of the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi. Despite the violence, Larijani has maintained a pragmatic stance on the nuclear issue, suggesting that US concerns regarding weapons could be resolved through talks.

Succession and Survival

As the prospect of war looms, Larijani is overseeing a survival strategy designed to withstand the loss of top officials. He has travelled to Moscow to consult with Russian leadership and to Oman for indirect talks with Washington.

Domestically, his position is more controversial. The United States sanctioned him in January for allegedly directing a lethal crackdown on anti-government protesters that resulted in thousands of deaths. Nevertheless, his deep ties to the security establishment and the trust once placed in him by the Supreme Leader have positioned him at the top of the list to manage the country during this period of extreme instability