In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States and Israel launched a major joint military attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The strikes, which reportedly targeted locations near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have thrust Iran's political hierarchy into the global spotlight. U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian public to "seize control of your destiny" in the aftermath, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that targeting Khamenei could potentially topple Tehran's entire leadership.
Uncertainty Over Leadership Fate
There was no immediate confirmation regarding casualties among Iran's top officials following the strikes. Analysts caution that even if key leaders were eliminated, regime change is far from guaranteed. The complex structure of Iran's Islamic Republic, with its intertwining religious and political institutions, presents significant resilience against decapitation strategies.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
At the apex of Iran's power structure stands 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who assumed the position in 1989 following the death of Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini. Khamenei played a pivotal role in the 1979 revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and now serves as commander-in-chief with final authority over all policy and religious matters.
The powerful Revolutionary Guard paramilitary force answers directly to Khamenei, who has overseen previous crackdowns on domestic protests. He recently declared Iran's readiness to retaliate against any American aggression. One of Saturday's initial strikes reportedly hit near his offices, though his whereabouts remained unclear as he hadn't been seen publicly for several days prior to the attack.
President Masoud Pezeshkian
Iran's second-highest ranking official is President Masoud Pezeshkian, a former heart surgeon who took office on July 28, 2024. Broadly viewed as a reformist, Pezeshkian heads the government's daily administration, oversees economic policy, and implements decrees from the Supreme Leader. Iranian citizens elect both president and parliament for four-year terms, though their authority remains subordinate to religious institutions.
Key Advisers and Officials
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, appointed on August 21, 2024, represents Iran's diplomatic front. A key negotiator in the now-defunct 2015 nuclear deal, Araghchi warned days before Saturday's attack that conflict with the U.S. would be "a devastating war" while reiterating Tehran's interest in peaceful solutions.
Ali Larijani, from one of Iran's most prominent political families, serves as Khamenei's adviser on public policy. The former parliamentary speaker was appointed to advise on nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration. In January 2026, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions against Larijani and other officials accused of repressing nationwide protests.
Judicial and Religious Authorities
Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi, a conservative jurist and hard-line prosecutor appointed in 2021, is widely regarded as a Khamenei loyalist. State media quoted him in January as stating there would be "no leniency" for those behind recent unrest.
Mohammad-Ali Movahedi Kermani heads the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for appointing Iran's next Supreme Leader. This institution functions similarly to the Vatican's College of Cardinals within Iran's theocratic system.
Influential Council Leaders
Ahmad Jannati serves as de facto leader of Iran's Guardian Council, a 12-member body that vets candidates for office and legislation. This powerful council can disqualify presidential candidates perceived as insufficiently aligned with the Supreme Leader's vision.
Mohammad Golpayegani, an Islamic cleric and longtime Khamenei confidant, heads the Supreme Leader's office as chief of staff. Meanwhile, Ali Akbar Velayati, a physician and former foreign minister, advises Khamenei on international affairs with particular involvement in nuclear policy.
Foreign Policy Specialists
Kamal Kharazi, another trusted Khamenei adviser on foreign policy, played significant roles during recent nuclear talks with Washington. The former diplomat and foreign minister has represented Iran at the United Nations and held numerous governmental positions.
Political Figures and Potential Succession
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, considered the highest-ranking reformist in Iran's executive branch, serves as primary deputy to the president and leads cabinet meetings during presidential absences. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former Tehran mayor and Revolutionary Guard general reelected on May 27, 2025, represents conservative political forces.
Ahmad Khatami, an influential Friday prayer leader in Tehran and Guardian Council member, has long been known for hard-line views. In January, he called for death penalties for detained protesters, describing unrest participants as "butlers" of Netanyahu and "Trump's soldiers."
The Succession Question
Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader's second-eldest son, emerges as a figure of particular interest. A midranking cleric with close Revolutionary Guard ties, Mojtaba served during the Iran-Iraq war and is rumored as a potential successor to his father. He reportedly wields considerable behind-the-scenes influence as his father's gatekeeper.
The complex interplay between these figures will determine Iran's response to Saturday's unprecedented attack and shape the country's political trajectory in coming weeks. With key leadership positions potentially vulnerable, understanding Iran's power structure becomes increasingly crucial for analyzing regional stability.
