Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran.
Israeli authorities said Larijani died alongside the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, Gholamreza Soleimani, during a targeted overnight operation.
Confirming the development, Iran disclosed that Larijani’s son, aides and security escorts were also among those killed in the strike.
The latest development makes Larijani the most senior Iranian official to be eliminated since the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed at the onset of coordinated US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
The attacks triggered a wider regional conflict, with Tehran responding through missile and drone operations targeting Israeli territory and allied states hosting American military installations.
In a statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed Larijani’s death, describing him as a devoted figure who spent his life advancing the ideals of the Islamic Republic.
The Israeli military, however, said the operation was a “precision strike” carried out near Tehran, alleging that Larijani had assumed a central leadership role in Iran’s military response following Khamenei’s death.
According to Israeli officials, he had effectively become a key figure coordinating operations against Israel and its regional allies.
The Basij force, led by Soleimani before his death, is a paramilitary group under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has often been deployed to quell internal protests.
Meanwhile, the war has continued to impact global energy markets, with disruptions reported in oil production across Gulf states and shipping activities along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts say the waterway, a critical route for global oil supply, has witnessed increased tension following repeated attacks on vessels.
Larijani, a former commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, previously held several strategic roles, including head of the state broadcasting organisation and chief nuclear negotiator.
He also served as Speaker of Parliament before his recent appointment as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
His death is expected to further deepen uncertainty over Iran’s leadership structure as the conflict continues to unfold across the Middle East.
