Ali Larijani (Not Khamenei) is Iran's De Facto Leader (NYT)
Former IRGC commander Ali Larijani has emerged as the de facto operational leader of the Islamic Republic, sidelining President Pezeshkian. Tasked by Khamenei to ensure regime survival, Larijani is now masterminding a brutal internal crackdown while fortifying military defenses for a looming confrontation with the United States.
Amid escalating tensions with the United States, including threats of military strikes and ongoing nuclear negotiations, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), has emerged as the effective de facto leader of the country in operational terms since early January 2026.
Appointed to the SNSC role in August 2025 by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Larijani, a 67-year-old veteran conservative politician, former parliament speaker, and ex-Revolutionary Guards commander, has been entrusted by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with ensuring the Islamic Republic's survival amid nationwide protests, economic pressures, and external threats.
His expanded responsibilities include:
This shift has sidelined President Pezeshkian, who has publicly downplayed his political role, calling himself "a doctor, not a politician," amid a challenging tenure marked by these crises.
While Khamenei remains the official Supreme Leader with ultimate authority, no recent reports indicate health issues forcing a formal handover; instead, the entrustment appears strategic for regime stability.
Larijani's prominence has also drawn US sanctions in January 2026, targeting him for his security role.