Iranian Security Chief Ali Larijani Killed in Israeli Strike

Israel has confirmed the killing of Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, in an overnight airstrike. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations, which has spread across the Middle East and impacted global oil prices.

Details of the Strike

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Larijani, along with Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij force, were “eliminated” in the strike . Iranian authorities have as well confirmed the deaths of both men, as well as Larijani’s son and bodyguards .

Soleimani’s death was also confirmed by Iran’s official judiciary news agency .

Who Was Ali Larijani?

Ali Larijani held a prominent position as the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and was considered a key figure in Iranian politics and security . He was known for acting as a bridge between hard-line figures in the armed forces and more moderate political factions . He was also a close ally of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .

Larijani was seen as the right-hand man of Iran’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28th, at the start of the current conflict .

Broader Conflict and Impact

The killing of Larijani follows the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has triggered a wider war across the Middle East, with Iran retaliating by launching missiles and drones at Israel and Arab states hosting US military facilities .

The conflict has also had economic repercussions, with the price of oil surging due to Iranian attacks forcing production stoppages in Gulf states and disrupting exports through the Strait of Hormuz .

Recent Statements

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated last night and have joined Khamenei, the head of the annihilation programme, along with all those eliminated from the Axis of Evil in the depths of hell” .

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed Larijani’s death, stating he “answered the call of God” after a lifetime dedicated to Iran and the Islamic Revolution .