Ali Larijani, a veteran politician and a central figure in Iran’s security apparatus was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday. A close adviser to former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he was considered one of the most powerful figures in the Islamic Republic. Iran's Supreme National Security Council stated that Larijani, 65, was killed alongside his son in an overnight strike.
Born in Najaf, an Iraqi city in 1958 to Iranian parents, Larijani came from a well-known and deeply religious family. As an experienced Iranian politician, he played a major role in shaping Iran’s security and political policies for decades. He was known for balancing hardlines and moderate views within the government. Larijani’s role had become even more important after the death of Khamenei when Iran’s leadership structure was weakened.
Why Larijani Opposed Mojtaba's Elevation?
Larijani was seen as cautious about the idea of Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. According to a Bloomberg report, he opposed Mojtaba’s appointment as he believed in a more institutional and less family-based transfer of power. He found hereditary rule as inconsistent with the principles of the Islamic Republic. Ali Alfoneh, senior fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute stated that in his role as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani was at "the center of Iran's strategic decision-making apparatus.” He supported stability and alliances rather than concentrating power in one family.
A Key Figure In Iran’s Nuclear Negotiations
He held many important roles including head of Iran’s state media and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Larijani was also a key figure in Iran’s nuclear negotiations with Western countries. Many saw him as a “pragmatist” who preferred diplomacy when possible. Bloomberg quoted Ellie Geranmayeh, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, saying: "Larijani has long been the bridge builder between the military and political establishment."
During ongoing tensions with Israel and the US, Larijani helped guide the country. In a TV interview, he warned that Israel wanted to weaken Iran from within, saying it aimed to “fragment and effectively dismantle the Islamic Republic."
Larijani also had disagreements with some powerful figures like former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over how the country should be run. He tried to have a more balanced political approach at times and helped pass the nuclear deal in October 2015. At that time, he had used his influence as Speaker of Parliament to secure legislative approval for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Larijani was known for balancing hardline and moderate views within the government.
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