Iran’s top security figure, Ali Larijani, has reportedly been killed, according to Israel Katz, the defence minister of Israel—a claim yet to be confirmed by Iran authorities.
If verified, Larijani’s death would mark a significant blow to Iran’s leadership, coming amid intensifying hostilities in the region following earlier strikes reportedly linked to Israel and the United States.
Key figure in Iran’s power structure
Larijani had emerged as one of the most influential voices in Iran’s leadership during the ongoing conflict, especially as the country’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has largely remained out of the public spotlight.
He was last seen days ago at a pro-government rally in Tehran, signalling resilience despite mounting military pressure.
As head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Larijani played a central role in shaping the country’s defence strategy and nuclear policy, making him one of the most powerful figures in the Islamic Republic.
Veteran strategist and nuclear negotiator
A longtime insider, Larijani built a career spanning military, political, and media institutions. He served in the Revolutionary Guard, led state broadcasting, and spent over a decade as Iran’s parliament speaker.
He also acted as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator in talks with Western powers and was a supporter of the 2015 nuclear agreement before it collapsed after the U.S. withdrawal.
Analysts describe him as a pragmatic operator with deep knowledge of Iran’s political system. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group once noted that Larijani understood both the ideological foundations of the state and its diplomatic boundaries.
Diplomatic role and rising tensions
In recent years, Larijani had taken on an increasingly active diplomatic role, engaging Gulf states as Tehran explored renewed negotiations prior to the outbreak of war.
Despite his moderate image, he remained a firm defender of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, warning in 2025 that external pressure could push Iran toward weaponisation.
He was also among Iranian officials sanctioned by Washington over the government’s response to nationwide protests.
Regional implications
His reported killing comes at a critical moment as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
If confirmed, the loss of Larijani would remove one of Iran’s most experienced power brokers—a development likely to reshape the country’s security and diplomatic strategy in the weeks ahead.
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