Dead or Alive? Israel Says Larijani Killed, Iran Circulates Handwritten Message

Iran's leadership structure is facing one of its most serious crises in decades, following reports that senior figure Ali Larijani has been killed in Israeli strikes.

The claim, made by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, has not yet been officially confirmed by Tehran, but it has already intensified uncertainty over who is currently steering Iran's political and military response.

Larijani had recently taken on a central role in managing state affairs after the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the start of the conflict. With Mojtaba Khamenei - widely seen as a successor - said to be seriously injured, Larijani had effectively become a key stabilising figure within the system.

His reported death now leaves a significant gap at the top. The situation is further complicated by the earlier killing of senior commander Gholamreza Soleimani, weakening both political and military leadership layers.

Uncertainty Over Command

In the absence of clear confirmation from Iran, questions remain over the current chain of command. Larijani was serving as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and was closely involved in shaping Iran's response to escalating US and Israeli military pressure.

A message posted shortly before news of his death surfaced suggested he was still actively engaged in public communication, adding to the confusion surrounding the timing and circumstances.

A Key Power Figure

Over a long career, Larijani built influence across multiple centres of power in Iran. He previously served as Speaker of Parliament for over a decade and played an important role in navigating internal political divisions.

He was also deeply involved in Iran's nuclear diplomacy, particularly during the 2015 agreement with Western countries, which raised his international profile as a negotiator capable of balancing competing interests.

Impact on Ongoing Conflict

The reported loss of such a senior figure comes at a critical moment. Iran is already under sustained military pressure, and the removal of experienced leadership could affect its ability to respond in a coordinated manner.

With multiple top figures either dead or incapacitated, the country appears to be entering a period of heightened instability, both politically and strategically.

For now, the lack of official confirmation from Tehran keeps the situation fluid, but the potential implications of Larijani's reported death are already being felt across the region.