Is it believed the official was running Iran after the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on the country and killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
A top Iranian official has been killed in an Israeli strike, according to reports.
Iranian authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Ali Larijani, 67, the man believed to be running the country since the death of its former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the strike. Israel said earlier in the day that it had killed Larijani, but it was several hours before Iran confirmed his death. His son, Morteza Larijani, was also killed.
The United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran on February 28, targeting several key sites. Iran responded by hitting targets across the Middle East and plunging the region into conflict.
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Although ineligible to become supreme leader because he is not a Shiite cleric, Larijani was widely expected to serve as a top adviser.
Many believed he was running the country since US-Israeli strikes drove Iranian leadership underground.
Larijani was appointed to advise Khamenei on strategy in nuclear talks with the Trump administration. He had travelled to Oman to meet with mediators in the weeks before the war began.
US President Donald Trump last week threatened to attack Iran “TWENTY TIMES HARDER” if Tehran stopped oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Larijani responded on X: “The sacrificial nation of Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran.”
“Be careful not to get eliminated yourself.”