Ali Larijani takes charge in Iran: Security chief and confidant of Khamenei steps into breach filled by Ayatollah’s death

Ali Larijani took office following deadly airstrikes in Iran in which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.

Khamenei, who has ruled the Islamic Republic since 1989, was killed in a joint US and Israeli airstrike targeting his fortified compound in Tehran on Saturday. He was 86 years old.

Mr. Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a trusted member of Khamenei’s inner circle, has now emerged as the central power broker, stepping into the void created by the Ayatollah’s death.

The 67-year-old leader confirmed on Sunday that a three-member interim council would be formed to rule Iran until a new religious leader is appointed; This is a constitutional mechanism that comes into play when the office becomes vacant.

In remarks carried by Iranian state media, Mr. Larijani said the president, the head of the judiciary and a member of the Guardian Council would temporarily rule the country.

The body is expected to meet in the coming days to discuss the succession issue.

Last year, during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel, Khamenei reportedly identified three potential successors, but their names were never made public.

Since Mr. Larijani is not a cleric, he cannot be considered as a religious leader candidate. However, he is now widely regarded as the ‘de facto’ leader of Iran.

Mr Larijani (pictured) is the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a trusted member of Khamenei’s inner circle. Now emerged as Iran’s central power broker

Before his death, Khamenei handed over most of Iran’s day-to-day management to Mr. Larijani, a senior politician and former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).

Mr. Larijani managed a broad portfolio that effectively sidelined the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

This includes directing the use of force to suppress recent protests demanding an end to Islamic rule, liaising with key allies such as Russia, overseeing nuclear negotiations with Washington and preparing contingency plans in the event of war with the United States.

He is also known as the former Ayatollah’s most reliable ally.

In response to the death of Khamenei, who ruled for 36 years, Mr. Larijani said: ‘Iran’s brave soldiers and great nation will teach an unforgettable lesson to international oppressors.’

In a post on social media on Monday, he seemed to have adopted Donald Trump’s style and rhetoric and made another warning against Iran’s retaliation: ‘Yesterday, IRAN FIRED MISSILES AND DAMAGED THE USA AND ISRAEL. TODAY WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A POWER THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TESTED BEFORE.’

Iran has since raised its so-called ‘Red Flag of Revenge’ and fired ballistic missiles and drones at US allies and assets in the region.

A series of strikes took place in neighboring Gulf countries. Explosions were heard in Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The US Department of Defense confirmed that three US soldiers were killed and five were injured in the conflict.