Iran’s top leadership closes ranks after the killing of Ali Larijani, signalling retaliation while highlighting his long political and security career across key institutions.
File image: Ali Larijani attends a parliamentary meeting in Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz/IANS)
Iran’s senior leadership has reacted with grief after top security official Ali Larijani was killed in a military strike that Iranian state media has blamed on Israel and the United States.
The development marks a significant escalation in tensions, with Iran’s political and military establishment signalling a firm response while honouring one of its most influential security figures.
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Larijani, who headed the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), died late Monday in the attack. His son Morteza Larijani and deputy Alireza Bayat were also killed, along with several security personnel.
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President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a condolence message, expressed deep sorrow and described Larijani as a “virtuous, precious, and dear brother”. He said the veteran leader had served the Islamic Republic in multiple key roles over the years, contributing significantly across institutions.
Recalling their time working together in Parliament and later in the Security Council, the Iranian President said Larijani displayed insight, foresight and a spirit of cooperation. He also suggested that such a loss would be difficult to replace.
According to Press TV, Pezeshkian said Larijani’s death reflected a lifetime of dedication, adding that he had always worked towards regional stability and unity among Islamic nations. He further claimed that the slain official had built a strong global presence in security matters, which made him a target.
Other senior leaders echoed similar sentiments. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said such an end was reserved for those who remained steadfast in their commitments. He described Larijani as a tireless figure devoted to the nation and highlighted his tenure as a three-time Speaker of Parliament.
Qalibaf added that the incident would not halt the broader movement, insisting that the path of the revolution would continue despite such attacks.
Judiciary chief Mohseni Ejei also paid tribute, saying Larijani’s years of service and struggle had been recognised in what he termed “martyrdom”. He praised the late official’s leadership abilities, courage and commitment to the country’s ideals.
Alongside the tributes, Iran’s leadership issued strong warnings. Pezeshkian said those responsible for the attack would face consequences, asserting that a harsh response was inevitable.
He also emphasised that the country would remain on its course and ultimately prevail.
“Undoubtedly, a severe revenge awaits the terrorist criminals who have stained their foul hands with the blood of the innocent,” said Pezeshkian.
Ejei, too, said Iran’s armed forces, supported by the public, would “exact revenge for the pure blood of this dear martyr” from those he referred to as “the criminal America and the barbaric Zionist regime”.
The killing of Larijani comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with fears that the latest strike could trigger further escalation in the conflict.
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