Israel Claims Top Iranian Official Ali Larijani Killed in Air Strike, Status Unclear

Israel Katz claimed that Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli air strike, along with Gholamreza Soleimani. However, Iran has not confirmed the claim, and a handwritten note and recent post on X attributed to Larijani have raised doubts about his reported death.

Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Ali Larijani, one of Iran’s most prominent security figures, was killed in an Israeli air strike, a claim that has not yet been confirmed by Iranian authorities and remains surrounded by uncertainty.
According to a statement released by his office, Katz said he had been briefed by the military chief of staff that Larijani, who serves as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was “eliminated” during overnight strikes. He also alleged that Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Basij force, was killed in the same operation. Katz described the Basij as a central component of Iran’s internal security and enforcement structure, underscoring the significance of the reported strike.
Israeli media outlets had earlier indicated that Larijani was a primary target of the overnight military operation, suggesting that the strike was aimed at high-ranking figures within Iran’s security establishment. However, communication gaps and the lack of independent verification have made it difficult to establish the full details of what transpired.
There has been no official confirmation from Tehran regarding the alleged killings. In contrast, developments following the Israeli claim have raised doubts about its accuracy. Iranian state media published a handwritten note attributed to Larijani shortly after the reports emerged, which some observers interpret as an attempt to signal that he may still be alive.
Further adding to the uncertainty, Larijani’s account on the social media platform X remained active, with a post shared at 0940 GMT on Tuesday, March 17. The post contained a handwritten message paying tribute to members of Iran’s Navy who had lost their lives, marking the occasion of their funeral. The timing of the post has fueled speculation and conflicting narratives about his status.
If the reports of his death are eventually confirmed, Larijani would be among the most senior Iranian officials killed in the current conflict, marking a significant escalation. It would also follow the reported death of Ali Khamenei earlier in the war, a development that would represent a major shift in Iran’s political and military leadership landscape.
Larijani is a seasoned political figure who has played a key role in Iran’s strategic affairs for years. He previously served as a nuclear negotiator and has long been considered a close ally of Khamenei. His influence within Iran’s political and security circles has made him a central figure in the country’s decision-making processes.
He was last seen publicly in Tehran on Friday, where he participated in Quds Day rallies, an annual event that often draws large crowds and is used to express political solidarity on regional issues. His presence there suggested he was actively engaged in public and political life just days before the reported strike.
Later on the same day, the United States announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani. He was listed among ten individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, highlighting his prominence within Iran’s security framework.
The conflicting reports and lack of confirmation have left the situation unclear, with international observers closely monitoring developments for any verified information about Larijani’s fate and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict.