In a provocative escalation, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Ali Larijani, Iran’s influential National Security Council secretary, perished in an Israeli missile barrage. The assertion, made public Tuesday, has not received any acknowledgment from Iranian authorities, fueling speculation and diplomatic uncertainty.
According to The Times of Israel, Katz credited the IDF’s overnight operations for neutralizing both Larijani and the head of Iran’s Basij militia. ‘The army informed me that Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, is no more,’ he said in a formal statement, highlighting the operation’s success.
Complicating matters, a purported handwritten note from Larijani appeared online, mourning Iranian navy personnel lost to American strikes. Circulated via his X profile and pro-government channels, it has sparked debates over whether it predates the attack or indicates survival.
Tehran remained silent in the immediate aftermath, but confirmation of Larijani’s demise would position him as Iran’s most senior figure killed after Khamenei in the ongoing Israel-U.S. strikes starting late February. Known for his proximity to the supreme leader and past role in nuclear diplomacy, Larijani’s recent public appearance at Quds Day events adds layers to the narrative.
Israeli sources told Reuters that while Larijani was among numerous targets hit Tuesday night across Iran, his status—dead or injured—is still being assessed. The IDF further boasted of eliminating Basij leader Gholamreza Soleimani and key subordinates, potentially crippling Iran’s paramilitary structure.
As the Middle East teeters, this unverified claim could ignite retaliatory actions or force a reevaluation of Iran’s strategies. Analysts warn of broader fallout, from proxy conflicts to stalled international negotiations, with all eyes on official Iranian word.