Iran's Security Chief Ali Larijani Reportedly Killed in Israeli Strike
Iran's influential security leader Ali Larijani has allegedly been killed in an Israeli military strike targeting a hideout apartment in Tehran. If confirmed, this would mark the most senior Iranian figure eliminated by Israel since the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the war's opening day.
Power Vacuum and Leadership Dynamics
Larijani, who led Iran's Supreme National Security Council, had been widely regarded by regional experts as among those most likely to fill the power vacuum created by Khamenei's death. Despite Mojtaba Khamenei being named as the new supreme leader, Larijani remained a pivotal figure and was considered by many observers to be Iran's de facto leader in recent months.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strike in a statement on Tuesday morning, declaring: "Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated overnight and joined the head of the annihilation programme, Khamenei, and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil, in the depths of hell." The statement also confirmed the death of Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani in a separate strike.
Iran's Response and Larijani's Final Days
Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the Israeli claims. However, on Tuesday, Iranian state media published what they identified as a handwritten note by Larijani commemorating members of the Iranian Navy killed in US attacks. The note appeared on Larijani's X account as funerals for the naval personnel were expected to take place.
Larijani was last seen publicly on Friday, attending the Al-Quds Day rally in Tehran alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian in a demonstration of support for Palestinians living in the Iranian capital. His aggressive approach had defined Iranian rhetoric during the war's early days following the 28 February strike that killed Khamenei.
Larijani's Political Career and Influence
Born in Najaf in 1958, Larijani began his government career as deputy minister of labour and social affairs. His political trajectory included a decade-long tenure as head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting starting in 1994. In 2005, he was appointed Supreme National Security Council secretary, placing him in charge of Iran's nuclear negotiations and recently overseeing Tehran's efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States.
Despite not being named to Iran's new three-man council following Khamenei's assassination, power in Iran is believed to remain concentrated within the Security Council. The council had reportedly already sidelined Khamenei since the disastrous 12-day war with Israel in June last year.
Domestic Control and International Posturing
Larijani's influence had eclipsed that of official President Pezeshkian, taking leadership roles both internationally and domestically. He was among the earliest and most vocal Iranian leaders calling for deadly violence to suppress political demonstrations that erupted late last year as Iran's economic crisis intensified.
The unrest, representing the largest uprising since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, was met with brutal regime crackdowns. According to Iran International reports, as many as 30,000 people are believed to have been killed by the regime this year alone.
Leadership Contention and Regional Tensions
Larijani's grip on power was particularly notable given he wasn't among the clerics Khamenei had identified as potential successors. The supreme leader had left a shortlist of three religious figures for the role formally reserved for a cleric. Yet experts regarded Larijani not just as a plausible leadership contender, but as someone who could steer Iran toward an even more militarised governance model.
In response to attacks, Larijani had accused the United States and Israel of attempting to plunder and disintegrate Iran, warning "secessionist groups" of harsh retaliation if they attempted any action. In a social media post, he claimed President Trump had plunged the Middle East into chaos, writing: "With his delusional actions, he has transformed his self-made slogan of 'America First' into 'Israel First' and sacrificed American soldiers for Israel's quest for power."
Larijani maintained that Iran was acting defensively, stating: "Today, the Iranian nation is defending itself... the Iranian armed forces did not initiate the invasion." His elimination represents a significant development in the ongoing regional conflict, potentially reshaping Iran's leadership structure and strategic direction.
