‘Murderers will pay’ for killing of Ali Larijani, says Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei

'Murderers' must pay for killing Iran's Larijani: Mojtaba Khamenei

Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday warned that those responsible for the killing of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani “will have to pay for it,” following his death in an Israeli strike.

In a written message published on his official Telegram channel on the day of Larijani’s funeral in Tehran, Khamenei said the killing reflected the significance of the senior leader.

“Without a doubt, the assassination of such a figure attests to his importance and to the hatred that the enemies of Islam harbour toward him,” Mojtaba Khamenei said.

“Every drop of spilled blood comes at a price, and the criminal murderers of these martyrs will soon have to pay it,” he added.

Iran confirmed that Larijani, a key pillar of its security establishment, was killed in an overnight Israeli strike. The attack also claimed the lives of his son, Morteza Larijani, senior aide Alireza Bayat, and several bodyguards.

Larijani, 67, was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Iran’s political and security apparatus and a close aide to former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Israeli officials said the strike also targeted senior figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including Basij force commander Gholamreza Soleimani.

Thousands attended funeral processions in Tehran, where Larijani and his son were honoured as martyrs. Mourners waved Iranian flags as their bodies were carried through the streets.

State media described Larijani as a central figure in advancing Iran’s strategic and defence policies, highlighting his long-standing role in the country’s leadership.

Larijani’s killing marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, now in its third week. The war has already resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian officials, including senior military and intelligence leaders.

The confrontation has also heightened tensions across the Middle East, with retaliatory strikes and disruptions affecting global energy markets. The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains particularly volatile, raising concerns over oil supply and regional stability.

Khamenei, who assumed office following the killing of his father, has yet to make a public appearance. His statement marks one of his first responses to a major escalation in the conflict, signalling a firm stance as Iran navigates a period of uncertainty.