Iran’s security landscape: who will succeed Ali Larijani?

TEHRAN: The death of Ali Larijani, Iran’s powerful security chief, has created a major power vacuum at the heart of the regime, sparking speculation over who might succeed the influential figure.

As of March 18, 2026, Tehran has not officially named a replacement. Sources within the capital, however, indicate that efforts are already underway to fill the role of the man who effectively steered the country since the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last month.

THE FRONTRUNNERS

Intelligence analysts and regional observers have identified four key figures likely to compete for Larijani’s security portfolio, according to international media reports. The final nominations or the potential choice has not been announced by Iran so far.

Mohsen Rezaee

The most prominent contender. A former Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC and current military aide to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Rezaee represents the “old guard” and carries the military clout needed to stabilise the security apparatus.

Saeed Jalili

Known for his uncompromising ideological stance, Jalili’s appointment would signal a shift toward a more hardline, isolationist foreign policy. His influence within the Supreme National Security Council makes him a natural, albeit polarising, candidate.

Ahmad Vahidi

The current IRGC commander and former interior minister, Vahidi is a logistical heavyweight with deep ties to Iran’s internal security infrastructure. He could be the preferred choice for a regime prioritizing domestic stability.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

Currently serving as Speaker of the Majles, Ghalibaf’s long-standing ambitions and history within the IRGC place him squarely in the center of the ongoing power reshuffle.

THE FUTURE OF IRAN’S SECURITY APPARATUS

Larijani’s death, reported on March 17 in a strike that has reverberated across the region, marks a critical juncture for Iran. With both the long-standing Supreme Leader and his primary security architect now gone, the nation is facing its greatest test in decades.

Vali Nasr, Professor Johns Hopkins and an expert on Middle East, said that Larijani’s replacement will be appointed by IRGC.

In the coming days, the Supreme National Security Council is expected to convene to manage the transition. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Larijani’s killing would not destabilise Iran’s political system.