TEHRAN: (HRNW) Iranian state media has officially confirmed the martyrdom of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, along with his son, Morteza Larijani, and a senior assistant. The strike, attributed to Israeli forces, occurred in Tehran at approximately 3:30 AM during the night between Monday and Tuesday.
Prior to the confirmation, a handwritten message was released via Ali Larijani’s social media account paying tribute to the martyrs of the nation. Israeli officials had previously claimed responsibility for targeting both Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, the Commander of the Basij Force. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also confirmed the martyrdom of Commander Soleimani, vowing that the spirit of resistance and the pursuit of retribution remain unwavering.
Legacy of Ali Larijani
Born in Najaf, Iraq, Ali Larijani rose to prominence after joining the IRGC, becoming a central figure in Iran’s internal politics, parliament, and foreign policy. A member of a powerful religious and political dynasty, Larijani served as the Speaker of the Parliament (Majlis) for 12 years and was once Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator. He was a perennial candidate in presidential elections and a key architect of Iran’s strategic diplomacy.
Leadership Succession and Official Reactions
-
Interim Appointment: Reports suggest that former National Security Secretary Saeed Jalili is expected to step in temporarily to fill the vacancy left by Larijani’s martyrdom.
-
Presidential Tribute: President Masoud Pezeshkian lauded Larijani as an “outstanding and invaluable figure” whose extensive experience was dedicated to promoting regional peace and security.
-
Foreign Ministry Statement: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with Arab media, emphasized the resilience of the Iranian state. He stated that the martyrdom of individual leaders cannot shake a system built on robust institutions. Araghchi noted that even following the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader, the functional integrity of the Iranian system remains steadfast.
The escalation of targeted strikes on high-level officials marks a volatile turning point in regional stability. To support our mission of providing verified reporting on Middle Eastern geopolitics and international security, please consider contributing to our work at hrnww.com/support-us.
