The numbers
Ali Larijani, a senior figure in Iran’s leadership and the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was killed in overnight strikes in Tehran, according to Israel’s Defence Minister. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has already resulted in hundreds of deaths and millions displaced across the region.
Larijani, who was last seen during the annual al-Quds Day rally in Tehran, was described as the de facto leader of the Iranian regime by an Israeli military official. His close association with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei positioned him as a key player in Iran’s political landscape. The Israeli military also confirmed the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, the Basij commander, in the same strike.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated, “Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the regime’s effective leader, has been eliminated.” This statement underscores the significance of Larijani’s role within the Iranian regime and the implications of his death for Iran’s political stability.
The announcement of Larijani’s death comes less than three weeks after US-Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, marking a period of heightened tensions and violence in the region. The Basij paramilitary unit, led by Soleimani, has been involved in repression operations within Iran, further complicating the domestic situation.
In a message posted on his Telegram page after his alleged death, Larijani praised Iranian soldiers, indicating his continued support for the military even in the face of such dire circumstances. The conflict has escalated dramatically, with both sides engaging in aggressive military actions.
Details remain unconfirmed as Iranian state media did not immediately acknowledge Larijani’s death, and the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Observers are closely watching for any official confirmation from Tehran regarding this high-profile assassination.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive to eliminate senior figures in the Iranian regime reflects a broader strategy aimed at destabilizing Iran’s leadership. If confirmed by Tehran, Larijani’s death would represent one of the most significant assassinations since the wave of US-Israeli strikes that began the war on February 28.