Israel Claims Killing of Iran's Security Chief in Overnight Airstrike
Israeli officials have announced the elimination of Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, in overnight airstrikes, marking what could be the most significant Iranian political figure killed since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's death on the first day of the ongoing conflict. The Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the operation on Tuesday, stating that Larijani had been "eliminated overnight" alongside Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani and other senior figures.
Pivotal Figure Removed During Crisis
If confirmed, Larijani's death would remove a pivotal figure at the very heart of Iran's political and security establishment during a moment of acute regional crisis. As secretary of the supreme national security council since August 2025, Larijani had been effectively leading the political strategy behind Iran's war effort. His elimination represents what Israeli officials describe as a devastating blow to Tehran's leadership structure.
The Israeli prime minister's office released a statement confirming that Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered "the elimination of senior officials of the Iranian regime." An Israeli official revealed that intelligence received on Monday afternoon indicated Larijani was due to arrive at one of several apartments he used as a hideout, where he was reportedly present with his son when the strike occurred.
Intelligence Capabilities Demonstrated
The twin deaths, if verified, demonstrate Israel's continued intelligence capabilities regarding the movements of Iran's top leadership within Tehran itself. The operation suggests Israel can utilize this intelligence alongside what appears to be near-complete control of Iranian airspace to strike at will against high-value targets.
Larijani had been seen publicly just days earlier during Tehran's annual Quds day rally, moving through crowded streets. His last known public statement came on Monday when he issued an appeal to Muslims worldwide to support Iran in its struggle and challenged Gulf State leaders to explain their continued hosting of US bases used to attack Iranian interests.
From Pragmatist to Hardliner
More than any other Iranian politician, Larijani uniquely combined Iran's military and political strategy. His career trajectory saw him evolve from a pragmatic figure who helped steer nuclear negotiations with Western powers to a hardened hardliner as tensions escalated with Israel and the United States.
His political journey included:
- Serving as Iran's culture minister
- Heading state broadcasting operations
- Acting as speaker of parliament for over a decade
- Playing a key diplomatic role alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
- Visiting Muscat, Oman to engage with mediators
Hours after US and Israeli strikes killed Khamenei earlier in the conflict, Larijani delivered a defiant message warning that Iran would make its enemies "regret" their actions and promising forceful retaliation.
Wider Conflict Context
The US-Israeli war on Iran has now entered its third week with at least 2,000 people killed and no immediate end in sight. The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, with US allies reportedly rebuffing calls from President Donald Trump to help reopen this vital waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
Massive explosions have been reported across multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, Ahvaz, Isfahan, and Shiraz in recent hours. If Larijani's death is confirmed, the number of senior Iranian officials killed by Israel since the conflict's inception would rise to ten, including five other senior military commanders such as Ali Shamkhani, a close adviser to the late supreme leader.
Iranian state media published what appeared to be a handwritten note by Larijani commemorating sailors killed in a US attack, but this document likely predated the Israeli strike and doesn't constitute proof of his survival. The United States had previously offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on senior Iranian military and intelligence officials including Larijani as part of a list of ten figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran has yet to officially comment on Israel's claims regarding Larijani's fate, leaving the international community awaiting confirmation about whether one of Tehran's most significant political operators has indeed been removed from the battlefield.
