Israel claims killing Iran's security chief Larijani in strike

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Tuesday that Ali Larijani, the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was killed in precision airstrikes carried out overnight near the Iranian capital. In a statement, Katz said Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary forces, "were eliminated last night," describing the operation as a significant blow to Tehran's leadership structure. Israeli military officials alleged that Larijani was targeted at a location he occasionally used as a safe residence, with an unnamed official telling Israeli media he "could not have survived this strike" .

Conflicting evidence emerges

Shortly after the Israeli announcement, a message was posted on Larijani's official X social media account paying tribute to Iranian navy martyrs, stating their "memory will forever remain in the heart of the Iranian nation" . The post came minutes after Israel's claim, though it contained no explicit denial or confirmation of his status. Iranian state media has not officially commented on the Israeli allegations, maintaining silence that leaves the situation unresolved. The contradictory signals have created confusion, with analysts noting that information during active conflict remains difficult to independently verify .

Larijani's significance

If confirmed, Larijani would be the highest-ranking Iranian official killed since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated on February 28, the opening day of the US-Israeli offensive. A prominent conservative politician and former parliament speaker, Larijani has served as secretary of Iran's top security body for years and played a key role in nuclear negotiations with world powers. Observers have described him as a powerful behind-the-scenes figure within the Iranian political system, often called the regime's "Gray Cardinal" .

Broader conflict context

The alleged killings come as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its third week, with both sides continuing military operations. Iran has maintained retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting American assets, while Israel announced it had prepared detailed plans for at least another three weeks of fighting . The conflict has already claimed over 1,300 lives in Iran, displaced more than one million Lebanese, and disrupted global energy markets as Tehran exerts pressure on Strait of Hormuz shipping .