Israeli Defense Minister Claims Iranian Official Killed Amid Ongoing Strikes
Israeli Claims of Iranian Official's Death
Tehran: On March 17, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted that a prominent Iranian security figure, Ali Larijani, was killed during a nighttime operation. Larijani, who holds the position of secretary for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, is regarded as a key player in the nation's leadership. However, there is uncertainty regarding his status, as Iranian officials have yet to verify this information. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Chief of the Israel Defense Forces, remarked, "We achieved significant results in Iran last night." This operation was part of Israel's recent military actions targeting various locations in Iran, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. The Israeli military also confirmed that missile production sites and command centers in Iran were struck. Zamir noted, "In addition to the ongoing damage to military capabilities and industrial production, we are targeting elements of the Revolutionary Guards and the regime's oppressive apparatus."
Who Is Ali Larijani? Born on March 1, 67-year-old Larijani has served as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council twice, from 2005 to 2007 and again from 2025 to 2026. He hails from the Larijani family of Mazani origin in Iraq's Najaf. Larijani studied Western philosophy at the University of Tehran and gained prominence within the Islamic Republic after joining the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He was also the speaker of the Iranian Parliament from 2008 to 2020.
Since 2020, Larijani has been a member of the Expediency Discernment Council, having previously held this position from 1997 to 2008. Following the death of Ali Khamenei during the 2026 conflict, he emerged as one of Iran's most influential figures.
Larijani's Allegations Regarding Epstein Files On Sunday, Larijani claimed that the Epstein network was planning a false-flag operation reminiscent of 9/11, intending to implicate Iran amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States. He expressed this on X, suggesting that such an act could incite American public sentiment against Iran. "I've heard that remnants of Epstein's team are plotting an incident similar to 9/11 to frame Iran. Iran fundamentally opposes such terrorist schemes and does not seek war with the American populace," Larijani stated on X.
Last Public Appearance of Larijani Larijani was last seen publicly at the Quds rally in central Tehran on March 13, where he characterized the bombing during the event as a manifestation of "desperation" from Iran's adversaries.
Overview of the Middle East Conflict The ongoing conflict in the Middle East escalated on February 28, following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, resulting in the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials. In response, Iran began targeting Israeli and US military installations in Gulf nations.