In a significant escalation of tensions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has entrusted national security chief Ali Larijani with the governance of the country in the event of U.S. attacks or his assassination. Recent reports indicate that Khamenei has implemented a comprehensive succession plan, designating multiple layers of successors among military and government officials to ensure the survival of the state amid escalating threats from the U.S. Larijani's role has become even more critical as he prepares Iran for potential conflict, reflecting a shift in the country's management and defense structure. This comes as the U.S. has deployed dozens of fighter jets and two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, with President Donald Trump threatening military action against Iran, heightening the urgency of the situation. A senior U.S. official questioned why Iran has not yet capitulated under pressure, emphasizing the precarious nature of the ongoing standoff.