Israel claims Ali Larijani killed in airstrike
A statement by Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has drawn global attention. A key figure in Iran’s political structure is now at the centre of a major claim.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also confirmed that Larijani had been targeted, escalating tensions in the region.
Israel: “Larijani was killed”
Katz stated that Larijani was killed during an overnight Israeli airstrike in Iran. The IDF confirmed that Larijani was among the targets of the operation.
The IDF also reported that in a separate strike, Basij paramilitary commander Gholam Reza Soleimani was killed.
Katz’s statement draws attention
In a statement released by Katz’s office, the following was said:
“Larijani and the Basij commander were neutralised overnight and joined other members of the ‘axis of evil’ who were destroyed in the depths of hell alongside Khamenei, the head of the annihilation program”
Night strike claim
An unnamed Israeli official, speaking to local media, claimed that the Israeli military carried out a strike targeting Larijani during the night.
Israel’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also stated that the military had targeted “important figures” in Iran.
No official response from Iran
There has been no official statement from Iran regarding the attack so far.
Who is Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, is considered a prominent figure in Iranian politics. He previously held senior positions, including parliament speaker and minister, and is said to be “one of the few individuals trusted by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the survival of the regime.”
Born in Iraq in 1958, Larijani is not a cleric but comes from a family with strong religious and political ties. His family was described by Time magazine as “Iran’s Kennedys,” referencing the family of former US President John F. Kennedy.
Larijani joined the Revolutionary Guards in 1981 and served as a commander during the early years of the Iran-Iraq war. He later pursued academic studies, earning degrees in computer science and mathematics. He completed his master’s and PhD in Western philosophy at the University of Tehran, with his academic work focusing on the German philosopher Immanuel Kant.
