Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has reported that Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's National Security Council, was killed in an IDF attack. Katz stated that he was recently notified of the senior Iranian security official's death after Israeli airstrikes carried out overnight.
Larijani made a public appearance last Friday during the Quds Day demonstrations. He formerly held the position of nuclear negotiator for Iran and was a trusted ally of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who passed away on the first day of the conflict.
Iran has not officially confirmed his death.
Ali Larijani's recent social media update ignites new rumors
While Iran has yet to officially address the allegations, a post from Ali Larijani's X account has added complexity to the situation. Soon after the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office published a photo of him stating that he had ordered the dismissal of senior officials in the Iranian regime amid rumors about his death.
What did Larijani share on X?
In a Persian post, Ali Larijani paid tribute to the Navy personnel who perished in the recent US-Israeli attacks, stating that their sacrifice strengthens Iran's military. The post includes an image of Larijani's personal note written in Persian, which he composed during the funerals for over 80 Navy casualties from the IRIS Dena ship, sunk by a US torpedo in the Indian Ocean last week.
Larijani noted that the sacrifice of the courageous Navy members of the Islamic Republic's Army in Dena is a testament to the sacrifices made by the proud nation during its struggle against global oppressors. Their memory will forever be cherished by the Iranian people, and these acts of martyrdom will fortify the Islamic Republic's Army's foundation within the armed forces for years to come.
Currently, there is no official statement from Iran regarding whether Larijani is alive or deceased.
In the meantime, numerous online users responded to the news of his passing, with one individual remarking on his post, "Oh, you're tweeting, Mr. Ali Larijani!"
“@grok is he dead? Can you translate,” another asked.
Who is Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani holds the position of the notable secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
In August 2025, President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed him to this role, where he also serves as a representative for the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the council.
Iranian media has described him as an advisor to the former supreme leader. Larijani served as the speaker of Iran's parliament for 12 years, from May 2008 to May 2020.
Although he was the leader of the Principlist faction in parliament between 2008 and 2012, he is now often described as a 'moderate conservative.'
Before becoming the speaker, Larijani served as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator between 2005 and 2007.
Sadegh Larijani, his brother, holds an important position in the Islamic Republic as the head of the Expediency Council, a crucial arbitration entity that serves as the final authority in resolving disputes between the parliament and the Guardian Council, the constitutional oversight body.
