Story perspectives

Iran's Khamenei Appoints Larijani Amid Protests and Tensions

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Ali Larijani, the former Revolutionary Guards commander, to manage the country's affairs amid protests and threats from the United States.
Larijani, a seasoned politician and former Revolutionary Guards commander, has taken control and diminished President Masoud Pezeshkian's influence.
He has been tasked with suppressing dissent and overseeing nuclear negotiations.
He says Iran is prepared for conflict, saying, "We are more powerful than before."

History

Historical Context

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, establishing an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Khomeini. This shift followed decades of discontent fueled by the Shah's Westernization efforts and the 1953 CIA-backed coup. The revolution's aftermath saw the rise of the Revolutionary Guards, now influential in Iran's military and politics, reflecting ongoing tensions with the U.S. and regional instability.

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Story summary

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Ali Larijani, the former Revolutionary Guards commander, to manage the country's affairs amid protests and threats from the United States.
Larijani, a seasoned politician and former Revolutionary Guards commander, has taken control and diminished President Masoud Pezeshkian's influence.
He has been tasked with suppressing dissent and overseeing nuclear negotiations.
He says Iran is prepared for conflict, saying, "We are more powerful than before."

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