Death of Ali Larijani deepens crisis at heart of Iran's leadership

Larijani has long been seen as one of the Islamic Republic's most experienced and influential policy makers.

The article details the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighting the assassination of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib by Israeli forces. This strike follows the earlier killings of top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and Basij force leader Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks toward Israel and Gulf countries, with explosions reported in the UAE and missile interceptions in Saudi Arabia. Iran confirmed the attacks on its South Pars gas facilities and threatened retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The conflict has significantly affected regional stability, displacing over a million people in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes and raising oil prices globally after Iran restricted Strait of Hormuz traffic. The U.S., supporting Israel, has eased Venezuelan oil sanctions and waived the Jones Act to curb inflation and oil shocks. Meanwhile, diplomatic strains grow, with countries like Germany and France questioning the strategy and impact of the war. Additional developments include a drone strike on Iran's Bushehr nuclear site (not significantly damaged), a deadly Israeli airstrike on a Lebanese financial institution linked to Hezbollah, and Iran seeking to move its World Cup matches from the U.S. to Mexico. The U.N. and various world leaders urge de-escalation amid mounting casualties.

On March 17, 2026, Israel carried out high-profile assassinations of two senior Iranian officials: Ali Larijani, Iran’s national security chief, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary forces. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes, asserting that Israel would continue targeting the Iranian regime’s leadership to disrupt its power structure. Larijani had effectively led Iran during a critical 10-day period following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an earlier Israeli strike, until Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, assumed leadership. Israeli sources revealed that Larijani was killed in a Tehran safe house. Known for his outspoken defiance, Larijani had recently issued threats to the U.S. on social media. His death raises questions about the Iranian regime’s internal stability, especially amid uncertainty over Mojtaba Khamenei’s health status. Meanwhile, Larijani’s telegram channel posted a message dated the day of his death, possibly composed before the strike.