Iran's Larijani urges unity among Iranian officials

Iran's Larijani urges unity among Iranian officials

Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, has emphasized the need for unity among officials amid heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council, warned against internal divisions, stating that such actions could undermine national stability during a critical transitional period. He confirmed that Iran has initiated a constitutional process to establish an interim leadership council, which will include the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council. This council will oversee governance until a new leader is elected.

The strikes, which targeted military infrastructure and killed key officials, have triggered significant regional disruptions. Airspace closures across the Middle East and potential restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil transit route—have raised concerns about energy market volatility. Larijani asserted that Iran’s response, including missile and drone attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets, reflects a commitment to defending national sovereignty. However, analysts note that prolonged instability could exacerbate economic pressures, particularly amid existing sanctions and regional tensions.

The interim leadership structure may influence Iran’s policy direction, with the Revolutionary Guards potentially gaining increased influence in the post-Khamenei era. While Larijani stressed institutional continuity, the uncertainty surrounding governance and retaliatory measures remains a key risk for investors. The situation underscores the fragility of regional markets and the potential for further geopolitical shocks in the coming weeks.