Iranian Leader Ali Larijani Reported Killed in Israeli Airstrike
Israel has announced that it killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s national security chief, in overnight airstrikes. If confirmed, Larijani would be the highest-ranking Iranian official killed since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death on the first day of the war.
Iran has not yet responded to the claims. Larijani’s death would represent a significant loss for Iran’s political and security leadership amid the ongoing conflict.
Additional Targeted Killings Reported by Israel
On Tuesday, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that a separate strike killed Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force, along with other senior Basij leaders.
“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,”
Iranian state media later released a handwritten note attributed to Larijani commemorating sailors killed in a US attack. However, this note likely predates the Israeli strike and does not confirm his survival.
Implications of the Strikes and Intelligence Capabilities
The reported deaths suggest that Israel maintains detailed intelligence on the movements of Iran’s top officials within Tehran and can conduct precise strikes, aided by US control over Iranian airspace.
Larijani’s Role and Recent Activities
Larijani was seen days earlier participating in Tehran’s annual Quds Day rally. He was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in August following US-Israeli attacks on Iran in June 2025. On Monday, he issued a statement urging Muslims worldwide to support Iran and challenged Gulf State leaders on their continued allowance of US military bases used against Iran.
Before the war, Larijani played a key diplomatic role alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, attempting to persuade Gulf states to prevent conflict. He defended Iran’s war tactics but was viewed as a potential transitional figure post-conflict, a notion Israel doubts.
International Reactions
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned the assassinations, stating:
“The political assassinations perpetrated by Israel, including those of Iranian statesmen and politicians, constitute illegal acts contrary to the laws of war.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials.
Current Status of the Conflict
The US-Israeli war on Iran has entered its third week, resulting in at least 2,000 deaths with no resolution in sight. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, and US allies have declined President Donald Trump’s requests for assistance in reopening this critical waterway, which handles approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Larijani’s Influence and Military Connections
Larijani uniquely combined military and political strategy in Iran. His death would underscore the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ (IRGC) dominant role in Iranian politics. On Monday, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaee was appointed military adviser to the new supreme leader.
Larijani, who helped negotiate nuclear talks with the West, had hardened his stance in recent months amid escalating tensions with Israel and the US. Following US and Israeli strikes, he issued a defiant message warning enemies they would “regret” their actions and promised a strong response.
Details of the Strike on Larijani
An Israeli official revealed that a strike targeting Larijani was initially planned for the previous night but was postponed. Intelligence on Monday afternoon indicated Larijani was expected at one of several apartments he used as hideouts. He was reportedly present with his son when the strike occurred.
When reports of the attack emerged early Tuesday, another senior Israeli official stated:
“There was no chance he survived this attack.”
Larijani’s Handwritten Statement
Iranian state TV broadcast a handwritten statement from Larijani praising the courage of Iranian sailors killed by missiles fired from a US submarine near Sri Lanka. He wrote:
“Their memory will always remain in the heart of the Iranian nation and these martyrdoms will strengthen the foundation of the Islamic Republic army for years within the structure of the armed forces.”
Background and Career
Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1958, Larijani studied in Tehran and rose through government ranks after the Islamic Revolution. His roles included culture minister, head of state broadcasting, and speaker of parliament for over a decade.
As chief nuclear negotiator, he was instrumental in shaping Iran’s engagement with world powers and supported the 2015 nuclear deal. Although once considered a pragmatist, his position hardened as diplomatic efforts failed and hostilities increased.
US Rewards and Iranian Officials Killed
The US had offered up to $10 million for information on senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani, as part of a list targeting 10 figures linked to the IRGC.
If Larijani’s death is confirmed, he would be the tenth senior Iranian official killed by Israel since the conflict began. Among those killed are five senior military commanders, including a close adviser to the supreme leader.
