Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has announced that the military killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security chief, during intensive overnight airstrikes. Katz framed the operation as part of a strategic mandate from Prime Minister Netanyahu to “hunt down” the leadership of the Iranian regime.
The Israeli government linked the timing of these strikes to ongoing coordination with US President Trump, referencing his previous comments on the “high turnover” within Iran’s leadership. Katz stated that Israel intends to update the US administration on the increasing pace of these high-level assassinations.
While Israel remains confident in the mission’s success, Tehran has yet to officially confirm the deaths of Larijani or other high-ranking officials. Iranian state media has asked the public to wait for an official update, which is expected to be issued shortly.
Ali Larijani was a pivotal figure in Iranian politics, having been appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in August 2025. A long-time loyalist and former Speaker of Parliament, he served as a bridge between the military and the executive branch.
The assassination occurred against a backdrop of deteriorating regional security. Recent Iranian drone and missile strikes have targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, while the United Arab Emirates was forced to briefly close its airspace following direct threats from Tehran.
Global aviation has also felt the impact of the escalating violence. Several major carriers, including British Airways, have suspended flights to the Middle East as the threat of a wider conflict continues to disrupt international travel and commerce.
