Israel on Tuesday claimed it had eliminated one of Iran’s most powerful figures, Ali Larijani, in a targeted strike. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Larijani, who headed Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed on Monday night.
“Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated last night and joined the head of the annihilation program, Khamenei, and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil in the depths of hell,” Katz said.
He added that Israel would continue targeting Iran’s leadership. “The prime minister and I have instructed the IDF to continue hunting the leadership of the terror and repression regime in Iran, and to repeatedly sever the head of the octopus and not allow it to grow.”
An Israeli military official reinforced the claim during a media briefing, describing Larijani as the “de facto leader of Iran” after the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The official said Larijani had been “calling the shots” and directing attacks against Israel and Gulf Arab states.
“This is a significant blow to the regime’s capabilities and a significant blow to their ability to operate their war machine against Israel and their own people. And we will continue pushing to degrade the Iranian regime’s capabilities,” the official said.
A central figure in Iran’s power structure
If confirmed, Larijani’s death would mark the removal of one of the most influential figures in Iran’s political and security establishment.
According to reporting by The Independent and other sources, the 67-year-old had emerged as a key power broker in recent months, particularly after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He played a major role in managing the transition period and was widely seen as one of the most important decision makers in the Islamic Republic.
Larijani’s rise was not sudden. It was the result of decades spent navigating Iran’s complex political system, moving seamlessly between military, political, and strategic roles.
From Revolutionary Guards to the corridors of power
Larijani’s career began in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. This early association with the military establishment helped shape his long-term influence within Iran’s security apparatus.
Over the years, he transitioned into senior political roles. He served as head of Iran’s state broadcaster, later becoming the country’s chief nuclear negotiator during a critical phase of its engagement with the West.
His most prominent political role came as Speaker of Iran’s parliament, a position he held for 12 years until 2020. During this time, Larijani developed a reputation as a skilled operator who could balance competing factions within the system.
He was also closely aligned with the Supreme Leader. Appointed as an adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei in 2004, Larijani became increasingly influential on national security issues.
The man behind Iran’s war strategy
In the current conflict, Larijani’s role expanded further.
After returning to prominence as head of the Supreme National Security Council following last year’s tensions with Israel, he was widely regarded as one of the key architects of Iran’s strategic response.
Analysts cited by The Independent suggest that Larijani was instrumental in shaping Iran’s war posture, including its willingness to sustain a prolonged confrontation.
He signaled this approach publicly as well. “Unlike the United States, (Iran) has prepared itself for a long war,” Larijani posted on X soon after the conflict began.
Israeli officials have echoed this assessment, portraying him as the central figure directing operations after the death of Khamenei.
A pragmatist within the system
Despite his deep ties to Iran’s security establishment, Larijani was often described as a pragmatist rather than a hardline ideologue.
However, analysts note that his pragmatism did not extend to questioning the foundations of the Islamic Republic. He remained firmly committed to preserving the nezam, or the governing system of Iran.
His influence also stemmed from his background. Larijani belonged to one of Iran’s most prominent clerical families. His brother, Sadegh Larijani, is an Ayatollah and former head of the judiciary.
Beyond politics, Larijani had an academic side. He studied mathematics and computer science at Sharif University of Technology and later earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Tehran. He also wrote extensively on the work of German philosopher Immanuel Kant.
A visible and defiant presence
Even as the conflict intensified and he became a prime target, Larijani maintained a visible public profile.
He appeared at a rally in Tehran just days before Israel claimed to have killed him, signaling defiance at a time when Iran’s leadership was under direct threat.
His role in suppressing protests earlier in the year also underscored his importance within the regime. He was seen as a key figure in maintaining internal stability while managing external conflict.
A significant loss if confirmed
If Israel’s claims are verified, Larijani’s death would represent a major blow to Iran’s leadership at a critical moment.
He was not just a senior official but a central node connecting Iran’s political leadership, military command, and strategic planning.
His removal would leave a gap in both decision-making and coordination within the system, particularly at a time when Iran is engaged in a sustained conflict.
For now, however, the full picture remains unclear. But what is certain is that Ali Larijani was one of the most consequential figures in Iran’s recent history, and his reported elimination could have far reaching implications for the course of the war.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
