Reports earlier claimed that Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran, but a fresh post from his verified X account hours later has raised doubts, deepening confusion amid the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict
Tehran/Jerusalem: In a major escalation in the 2026 Iran–Israel war, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said early Tuesday that a night-time precision airstrike in Tehran killed Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani.
However, just a few hours later, a new post appeared on Larijani’s verified X (Twitter) account — raising serious doubts about Israel’s claim and showing how confusing information has become during the conflict.
The Israeli Claim: “We Got Him”
Katz said the Israeli Air Force carried out a targeted strike in Tehran using intelligence from its Military Intelligence Directorate. According to him, the attack killed Larijani — who is the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council — along with Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani.
Israeli media described this as the most important assassination since the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in strikes earlier in February.
So far, Israel has not released any video or independent proof to support the claim.
Immediate Doubt: Larijani’s Own Post
At around 09:40 GMT, Larijani’s verified account (@alilarijani_ir) posted a message paying tribute to Iranian navy personnel who had died.
The message included what looked like a handwritten note and a photo, and it was posted after the time when the strike reportedly happened.
This quickly led many users and analysts to question Israel’s claim, suggesting that Larijani may still be alive and active.
Who is Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani is one of the most powerful figures in Iran’s security system:
- A 67-year-old senior politician and former Revolutionary Guards officer
- Former Speaker of Parliament
- Has served twice as head of the Supreme National Security Council
In August 2025, he was reappointed to this key role by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
After the killing of Ali Khamenei, Larijani effectively became Iran’s main day-to-day security leader. He has been handling nuclear talks, internal protests, military responses, and transition planning.
He is known as a loyalist to Khamenei but also seen as practical and strategic. The United States has sanctioned him for his role in suppressing protests and coordinating regional alliances.
Timeline: From Khamenei’s Death to Now
- February 2026: US-Israel strikes kill Ali Khamenei and several top commanders
- March 2026: Larijani leads Iran’s response, issues warnings, and helps install Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader
- March 16–17: Fresh Israeli strikes hit Tehran; Israel claims Larijani has been killed
Iran’s Response So Far
Iran has not officially confirmed or denied the claim. State media earlier said an update would come soon, but nothing has been announced yet.
At the same time, Larijani’s social media activity suggests that things may be continuing as normal — or it could be a deliberate attempt to show strength.
Why This Matters
Larijani is seen as the key person holding Iran’s security system together after Khamenei’s death.
If he is actually dead, it would create a major power gap at a very sensitive time, as Iran has already been weakened by months of attacks.
Israeli officials consider him a major target because of his role in planning missile and drone responses and managing regional alliances.
Experts say that even if the claim is not true, such announcements can increase tensions and push both sides closer to further escalation.
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Hi! I’m Mansi Sharma, 22, a fearless journalist who turns lifestyle, health, and political trends into bold, unforgettable narratives. I don’t just report — I make every story sizzle, spark, and stick.