Israel has claimed responsibility for the assassination of Ali Larijani, one of Iran's most prominent political and security figures. Israeli Defence Minister Katz announced that Larijani, who served as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli strike. Iran has not confirmed the claim.
Who Is Ali Larijani?
Larijani is a heavyweight in Iranian politics with decades of experience at the highest levels of the state. He previously led Iran's nuclear negotiations with Western nations, making him a central figure in the country's most sensitive diplomatic efforts, and served as Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. More recently, he held the role of secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, one of the most powerful positions in the country's security apparatus.
He was last seen publicly on Friday at Tehran's al-Quds Day rally, standing alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian. Iranian state media subsequently published what appeared to be a handwritten note from Larijani commemorating fallen sailors, though it is unclear whether this constitutes proof of life or was written prior to the alleged strike.
Israel Also Claims a Second Killing
Alongside the Larijani claim, the Israeli military announced it had also eliminated Gholam Reza Soleimani, commander of the Basij militia, in a separate targeted operation. The military said the strike was carried out using "precise intelligence from Military Intelligence" and that Soleimani had commanded the Basij unit for the past six years.
Significance If Confirmed
If Larijani's death is confirmed, it would represent the highest-level assassination since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial February 28 strikes that began the current conflict. Larijani's role in the security council made him central to Iran's wartime decision-making at exactly the moment when those decisions matter most.
The elimination of senior leadership figures is part of a stated Israeli strategy to systematically degrade Iran's command and control capabilities. Whether that strategy is succeeding, or simply hardening Iranian resolve, remains a matter of debate among analysts.
Iran's Response
Tehran has not officially responded to the Larijani claim. The regime has maintained a posture of defiance throughout the conflict, with President Pezeshkian asserting that Iran "did not start the war and will not surrender to bullies."
Source: Al Jazeera
