Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Tuesday that the Israeli military has killed Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in an overnight strike.
According to Katz, Larijani was targeted alongside Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Basij paramilitary force. While Israeli officials have confirmed the operation, Iranian state media has yet to officially verify the deaths, though Larijani's office reportedly indicated a statement would be forthcoming.
If confirmed, Larijani’s death would mark the most significant loss to Iran's leadership since the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026. Larijani, a veteran politician and former Parliament Speaker, had recently emerged as a de facto wartime leader and key strategist following Khamenei’s death during the opening wave of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
The conflict, which began in late February, continues to escalate as Israel intensifies strikes across Tehran and targets high-ranking officials within the Iranian security apparatus.
