Iran has officially confirmed that its senior security figure Ali Larijani was killed in a targeted strike attributed to Israel, intensifying tensions across the Middle East.
According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the assassination was confirmed following earlier Israeli claims that Larijani had been “eliminated” in a precision attack in Tehran.
A statement carried by the Mehr News Agency described Larijani’s death as martyrdom, praising his lifelong service to the Islamic Republic and the revolution.
Conflicting Reports Before Official Confirmation
Earlier in the day, Israeli officials, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, claimed that Larijani was killed overnight. However, Iranian authorities had initially not confirmed the reports.
Adding to the confusion, Larijani’s official social media account posted a handwritten message honoring fallen naval personnel but did not address reports of his own assassination.
Shortly afterward, Iranian officials confirmed not only Larijani’s death but also the martyrdom of his son, Morteza Larijani.
Iran Vows ‘Harsh Revenge’ Against Israel
Following the confirmation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed a “harsh revenge”, signaling a strong military response.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it has already launched retaliatory strikes, targeting over 100 locations in Israel, with reports suggesting around 200 casualties in the latest wave of attacks.
Officials reiterated that Iran would respond decisively, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
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Rising Tensions After Multiple High-Profile Killings
The situation further intensified after reports that Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij force, was also killed in a separate strike.
Meanwhile, Isaac Herzog emphasized the need to counter regional threats, urging European nations to take stronger action against Hezbollah amid ongoing clashes in Lebanon.
Who Was Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani was one of Iran’s most influential political figures:
- Former Speaker of Parliament for 12 years
- Key figure in Iran’s nuclear negotiations
- Longtime player in Iran’s domestic and foreign policy
- Member of a powerful political and religious family
Born in Najaf, Larijani rose through the ranks of the Islamic Republic, holding several critical positions and remaining a central figure in Iranian politics for decades.
Regional Conflict Deepens
The assassination comes amid weeks of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed groups, with cross-border strikes and military operations expanding across the region.
Analysts warn that the killing of such a high-profile leader could significantly widen the conflict, potentially drawing in more regional actors and prolonging instability.
