Iran confirms assassination of key strategist Ali Larijani in Israeli strike
Iran warns of consequences as killing of senior figure fuels fears of wider regional war
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Iranian state media has confirmed the death of senior political figure Ali Larijani, following earlier claims by Israel that he was killed in a targeted strike on Tehran. The announcement came late Tuesday after initial uncertainty surrounding his fate.
The confirmation follows reports of explosions across parts of the Iranian capital overnight. While authorities acknowledged Larijani’s death through official channels, they did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of the attack.
Shortly after Israel claimed responsibility for the strike, activity on Larijani’s official social media accounts appeared to reference his final messages, including a handwritten note honoring Iranian sailors reportedly killed in a recent US submarine incident.
Israel had earlier described Larijani as a central figure within Iran’s leadership structure, asserting it had targeted him in the strikes. Tehran’s initial silence had fueled speculation before the death was formally confirmed by state outlets.
Larijani, 68, was widely regarded as a key strategist within Iran’s political and security establishment. A former speaker of parliament and ex-head of the Supreme National Security Council, he played a major role in shaping Iran’s nuclear policy and regional strategy.
Known for his close ties to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Larijani served as a critical link between Iran’s political, military, and diplomatic institutions.
His influence had reportedly grown in recent weeks amid escalating conflict and leadership changes following the earlier killing of Khamenei during joint US-Israeli strikes in February.
In response to Larijani’s death, Iranian authorities have called for nationwide demonstrations, urging public unity. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned the targeting of political leaders, describing such actions as violations of international norms.
The development adds to rising instability across the region, with fears mounting of further escalation in an already expanding conflict.
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