Ali Larijani, Iran's powerful security chief, rose to even greater prominence after Israeli and United States strikes at the start of the Middle East war killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has remained largely out of public view, Larijani took on a visible leadership role, appearing at pro-government rallies in Tehran. Israel's defense minister has claimed Larijani was killed, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed his death.

A seasoned insider with decades of experience, Larijani was known for blending ideological loyalty with pragmatic diplomacy. He previously led Iran's top security body, the Supreme National Security Council, and played a central role in shaping nuclear policy and negotiations with global powers. A former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and ex-parliament speaker, he maintained influence across military, political and diplomatic spheres.

Larijani supported the 2015 nuclear agreement and consistently defended uranium enrichment as Iran's sovereign right, while warning that sustained external pressure could push Tehran to alter its nuclear stance. Sanctioned by the United States over a violent crackdown on nationwide protests, he acknowledged economic grievances but blamed unrest on foreign interference. If confirmed, his death would mark a significant blow to Iran's leadership during a time of war and uncertainty.