Iran Confirms Death of Security Chief Ali Larijani in Targeted Strike

New Delhi, March 18, 2026 — Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has officially confirmed the death of its Secretary, Ali Larijani, following a targeted airstrike on Tuesday. The high-profile official was reportedly killed while at his daughter’s residence in the Pardis area, northeast of Tehran.

The council’s statement, released early Wednesday, revealed that Larijani’s son, Morteza Larijani, also perished in the attack, alongside his deputy for security, Alireza Bayat, and several bodyguards.

Details of the Operation

The strike occurred during the early hours of Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. According to Iranian state-affiliated media, the residence belonged to Larijani’s daughter. While Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, initially announced the “elimination” of Larijani on Tuesday morning, it took several hours for Tehran to verify the loss.

Larijani was not the only senior figure targeted; the Israeli military also confirmed the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, in separate operations conducted during the same period.

A Pillar of the Iranian Establishment

Ali Larijani, 67, was widely regarded as one of the most influential “insiders” within the Islamic Republic. A former commander of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War, his career spanned decades of top-tier governance:

• Speaker of Parliament: He served a record 12 years (2008–2020) as the head of the Majlis.
• Chief Nuclear Negotiator: Between 2005 and 2007, he led Iran’s sensitive talks with Western powers.
• Security Architect: At the time of his death, he headed the Supreme National Security Council, the nation’s highest decision-making body on defense and foreign policy.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February 2024, many analysts viewed Larijani as the de facto leader managing the country’s day-to-day security strategy and regional operations.

Regional Repercussions

The loss of Larijani creates a substantial vacuum in Iran’s political and military leadership. Known as a “pragmatic conservative,” he was a rare figure who could bridge the gap between hardline military factions and diplomatic channels.

In response to the killings, the Iranian military has vowed “definite revenge,” already launching a series of retaliatory missile and drone strikes. Meanwhile, global markets are on high alert as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for the world’s oil supply.

State Funeral Announced

The Iranian government has declared a period of mourning, with state funerals for both Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani scheduled to take place in central Tehran on Wednesday morning.