Ali Larijani, Key Iranian Figure, Confirmed Dead
The death of Ali Larijani, a prominent figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, has been confirmed amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The news comes after reports surfaced earlier this week regarding his passing.
Larijani, 67, held the position of Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s top national security body, and was a close advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He was appointed to the role by President Masoud Pezeshkian in August 2025, according to reports.
In the wake of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, Larijani vowed retaliation against the United States, stating, “The Americans have stabbed the Iranian people in the heart and we will stab them in their heart,” as reported by Al-Jazeera. He also outlined plans for a transitional leadership structure, announcing the formation of an interim leadership council comprised of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council.
Larijani’s career spanned military, legislative, and security roles. He was among the original members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and previously served as Iran’s principal nuclear negotiator and chairman of Iran’s State Broadcast Network (IRIB). Sources indicate he played a key role in forging a 25-year strategic agreement with China and maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting with him for security discussions in July 2025.
While not a religious cleric, Larijani was increasingly seen as a central figure in Iran’s leadership, and some observers have described him as the Islamic Republic’s “de facto” leader. Analysts suggest his death could have significant implications for Iran’s future direction, particularly as tensions with the U.S. And Israel remain high.
The confirmation of Larijani’s death adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation in the Middle East. The development underscores growing regional instability and raises questions about the future of Iran’s nuclear policy, a domain in which Larijani was a key player. He was considered Tehran’s key player in negotiations regarding its nuclear program.
