On March 17, 2026, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for an airstrike that targeted Iranian National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani and Basij Forces Commander, Ghulam Raza Soleimani. The IDF confirmed Soleimani’s death but left the status of Larijani unclear. It remains uncertain whether he was killed or injured in the attack.
Larijani’s Death: An Ally of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Israeli Defense Minister Katz later claimed that the IDF’s attack resulted in Larijani’s death. However, Larijani’s office stated that he would address the media shortly, leaving some ambiguity around the situation. Larijani, a close ally of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was a powerful figure in Iran after Khamenei’s death.
Larijani Criticized Donald Trump
Before his death, Larijani had strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump. Iran’s state media released a statement from Larijani, in which he condemned Trump’s dismissive remarks about the anti-U.S. protests occurring across Iran. In his statement, Larijani referenced an event from 47 years earlier when the Pahlavi regime’s prime minister claimed protests were fake. Larijani pointed out Trump’s similar dismissals of mass protests as “AI-generated images.”
Larijani’s Disappointment with Muslim Nations
Larijani also expressed disappointment over the lack of support from Muslim-majority nations when the U.S. and Israel began their attacks on Iran. On March 16, 2026, Larijani condemned the surprise attack as an attempt to weaken Iran. He described the deaths of several leaders, military commanders, and civilians in the attack as an unfortunate consequence of the assault.
