Tehran, Iran
News Desk | International Affairs
Tehran, Iran — Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike overnight, according to Israeli officials on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Iranian authorities had not immediately confirmed the claim, leaving uncertainty about Larijani’s fate as regional tensions intensify.
Israel’s defense minister said the strike targeted Ali Larijani, who served as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and was considered one of the country’s most influential political figures in the current wartime leadership. Israeli officials said the operation also targeted Gen. Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force.
Iranian state media had not confirmed Ali Larijani death as of Tuesday, and officials in Tehran had yet to issue a formal response. Some reports suggested that Israeli intelligence tracked his movements before the strike, which reportedly hit a location believed to be used as a temporary hideout.
If confirmed, Ali Larijani would be among the most senior Iranian figures killed during the current conflict. The strikes come amid a broader Israeli campaign targeting Iran’s security and political leadership infrastructure during the escalating regional war.
Larijani, a veteran of Iran’s political establishment, previously served as speaker of parliament from 2008 to 2020 and earlier led the country’s nuclear negotiations with Western powers. He was also a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and held senior positions in Iran’s state broadcasting system before rising to national prominence.
In August 2025, Iran’s president reappointed Larijani as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a key body responsible for shaping national security and nuclear policy. Analysts said his return to the role strengthened his influence during a period of escalating confrontation with Israel and Western governments.
Following earlier leadership losses in Iran’s ruling structure, Larijani had emerged as a central figure managing security strategy and internal stability during the conflict. Some analysts described him as a critical power broker responsible for coordinating Iran’s military and political response.
Israel said the operation formed part of a broader effort to dismantle Iran’s security leadership. Officials indicated that further strikes could follow if hostilities continue.
Iran has not confirmed the reported killing, and the full circumstances surrounding the strike remain unclear.
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