In the escalating US-Israel-Iran war that began in late February 2026, fresh reports from Israeli local media claim that the Israeli military conducted a targeted operation against Ali Larijani, Iran’s prominent national security chief and a key figure in Tehran’s leadership following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the reports circulating in Israeli outlets, the strike aimed at Larijani amid ongoing airstrikes across Iran. Israeli sources indicate the military is currently assessing whether the high-profile target was successfully eliminated. As of now, no official confirmation has emerged from Iranian authorities, who have remained silent on the specific claim.
Who is Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani, a veteran Iranian politician and former parliament speaker, has risen to become one of the most influential figures in Iran’s security apparatus. Often described as a pragmatist and close aide to the late Supreme Leader, Larijani assumed a central role in Iran’s response to the conflict after Khamenei’s reported killing in early strikes. He has publicly accused the US and Israel of plotting to fragment Iran and has issued strong warnings, including threats to target regional energy infrastructure if Iran’s facilities are hit.
In recent days, Larijani appeared defiantly at public events, such as the Quds Day rally in Tehran, dismissing ongoing attacks as acts of “desperation.” His survival and visibility have symbolized Iran’s resilience amid heavy bombardment targeting military sites, nuclear facilities, and leadership compounds.
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
The 2026 Iran war erupted with surprise US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, hitting over 200 targets, including key military and leadership sites in Tehran and beyond. Israel described the operations as necessary to neutralize an “existential threat” from Iran’s regime. The conflict has seen intense exchanges, with Iranian missile responses causing casualties and damage in Israel, while Israeli and US forces continue strikes deep inside Iranian territory.
Reports suggest dozens of senior Iranian officials may have been targeted or killed in the initial waves, though Larijani has emerged as a leading voice in the post-Khamenei era, rejecting negotiations and urging Muslim nations to support Iran against what he calls aggression aimed at disintegration.
No Iranian Confirmation Yet
Iranian state media and officials have not addressed the specific allegation regarding Larijani. Previous claims of leadership eliminations have been met with denials or counter-narratives from Tehran, which continues to project strength despite the losses.