TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, describing him as having “attained martyrdom,” according to state media reports on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Israeli officials had claimed that Larijani was killed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the development in a televised statement, suggesting that his death could potentially encourage internal opposition within Iran against its ruling establishment.
Larijani, regarded as a seasoned political figure, played a significant role in shaping Iran’s nuclear strategy and broader foreign policy. Known for his calm demeanor and pragmatic approach, he maintained influence across multiple state institutions.
Following the 2025 conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, Larijani was appointed head of the Supreme National Security Council in June of that year—a position he had previously held. In this role, he was central to coordinating national defense policies and overseeing sensitive nuclear matters.
In the later phase of his career, he became more active on the diplomatic front, visiting regional countries such as Oman and Qatar as part of Iran’s cautious outreach efforts, which were later disrupted by renewed tensions.
Born in 1957 in Najaf, Iraq, Larijani came from a prominent religious family closely linked to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Over the years, his family has remained deeply embedded in Iran’s political landscape.
Academically, he held a doctorate in Western philosophy from the University of Tehran. His early career included service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq War. He later led Iran’s state broadcasting organization, IRIB, for about a decade starting in 1994, and subsequently served as Speaker of Parliament from 2008 until 2020.
