Ali Larijani, Key Iranian Security Official, Killed in Israeli Airstrike

Tehran – Ali Larijani, a prominent Iranian politician and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday, March 17, 2026, according to Iranian authorities. The attack, which also claimed the life of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the paramilitary Basij force, marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.

A Rising Toll in the Conflict

Larijani is the most senior Iranian official to be assassinated since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, following a series of Israeli and US strikes. The BBC reports that this latest strike has triggered a wider war across the Middle East, with Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks against Israel and Arab states hosting US military facilities.

Larijani’s Political Career

Ali Larijani, born June 3, 1958, in Najaf, Iraq, held numerous key positions within the Iranian government throughout his career. According to his Wikipedia entry, he served as:

• Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (August 5, 2025 – March 17, 2026)
• Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (May 28, 2008 – May 28, 2020)
• Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance (July 16, 1992 – February 15, 1994)
• Head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (February 13, 1994 – May 23, 2004)

Prior to these roles, he also held positions within the Iranian government dating back to 1981. He was a close ally of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mossad Infiltration Concerns

Concerns regarding potential security breaches within Iran were raised prior to Larijani’s death. In July 2025, Middle East Eye reported that Larijani, then an advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, revealed that the Israeli spy agency Mossad had carried out psychological operations and gained access to senior Iranian officials during the recent war with Israel. Larijani reportedly received a warning to depart Tehran to avoid assassination, and an attempt was made to strike a meeting of the Supreme National Security Council, though it was unsuccessful.

CIA Involvement in Intelligence Gathering

The New York Times reported on March 1, 2026, that the CIA provided Israel with intelligence regarding Ayatollah Khamenei’s location, described as “high fidelity,” which was used in a prior strike.

Regional Implications

The death of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani is expected to further escalate tensions in the Middle East. The price of oil has already surged due to Iranian attacks disrupting production and exports in the Gulf region. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further conflict.