Iran has officially confirmed the death of its national security chief, Ali Larijani, hours after Israel said it had targeted him in an airstrike. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two regional rivals.
In a statement, the Supreme National Security Council mourned Larijani, describing him as a “righteous servant of God” and hailing him as a martyr. It termed his death a significant loss for Iran’s leadership and security apparatus.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep grief, calling the killing “bitter and distressing.” In his condolence message, he highlighted Larijani’s long-standing influence in shaping Iran’s political and security framework.
Despite the setback, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran would remain steadfast, reiterating that the country would continue on its path of “defiance and resistance.”
Iranian authorities also issued a strong warning, vowing to avenge Larijani’s death, a move that raises the risk of further escalation in an already volatile region. The confirmation follows Israel’s claim of carrying out a targeted strike, fuelling fears of a wider conflict.
A veteran politician and former nuclear negotiator, Larijani was considered a key figure in Iran’s power structure. His killing is expected to have major geopolitical repercussions as tensions continue to rise.
