Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the country's most powerful official since Khamenei's death, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on March 17, 2026.
Key Points
- Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that Ali Larijani was killed in an IDF airstrike in Tehran.
- The strike was reportedly ordered jointly by Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani was also killed in the same operation.
- Larijani was a key political figure in Iran with influence over leadership decisions.
- Israel also struck a Hezbollah weapons facility in southern Lebanon amid escalating regional tensions.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday confirmed that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was killed by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in an overnight airstrike in Tehran as the West Asia conflict escalates.
Confirming the development, Katz said Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated in the strike, according to TPS.
He added that the operation was carried out on the instructions of himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Katz further stated that the IDF would continue targeting Iran's leadership.
The IDF also confirmed that Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, was killed in the same series of attacks.
Larijani's Role After Khamenei's Death
Larijani, considered a key power broker in Tehran, had significant influence within Iran's political system and was reportedly involved in internal leadership dynamics.
Separately, the IDF struck a large underground Hezbollah weapons facility in southern Lebanon's Kfara area, targeting stockpiles that reportedly included cruise missiles and hundreds of rockets.
Earlier, Larijani had issued a message asserting that Iran would remain steadfast against the US and Israel, while calling for unity in the Muslim world.
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