Israel eliminates security chief Ali Larijani in Tehran and escalates conflict with Iran

The secretary of Conselho Supremo of Segurança Nacional of Irã, Ali Larijani, was killed in an Israeli airstrike carried out during the night of Tuesday (17) near Israel took responsibility for the operation, which also resulted in the death of militia commander Basij, Gholamreza Soleimani. The announcement came hours after Iranian sources confirmed the death of 67-year-old Larijani, along with his son Morteza and several security guards. The action takes place amid the armed conflict between Israel and Irã, which began after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war.

Israel defense forces stated that the attack was precise and aimed to eliminate central figures in the Iranian command structure. Larijani held a prominent position as a close confidant of the late supreme leader and served as a key figure in security decision-making since the outbreak of hostilities. Sua’s death represents one of the most serious casualties in the Iranian top brass since the assassination of Khamenei in February.

Attack occurred in the suburb of Teerã

The bombing hit an area on the eastern outskirts of the Iranian capital, where Larijani was visiting family. Relatos indicate that the target was a private residence, and the operation involved Israeli fighter jets. Autoridades Iranian women reported that Larijani’s son and members of his protection team also lost their lives in the incident.

Conselho Supremo of Segurança Nacional released an official statement confirming the deaths and highlighting the loss of an experienced leader. Funerais to Larijani and Soleimani occurred in Teerã on Wednesday (18), with thousands of people on the streets.

Larijani was a veteran of Iranian politics

Ali Larijani built a long career in the political system of Irã, having held positions as president of Parlamento and nuclear negotiator in previous periods. Após the death of Khamenei, assumed a de facto leadership role in matters of defense and strategic coordination.

His influence helped to balance internal factions, with experience in international dialogues. Analistas observe that their presence facilitated certain discreet communications in the midst of the conflict.

Impact on Iranian command structure

The elimination of Larijani removes an important link in the decision-making chain of Teerã. Irã adopts a decentralized defense model, known as mosaic defense, which distributes authority between armed forces, Guarda Revolucionária and militias to resist attacks aimed at leaders.

Despite the loss, Iranian authorities maintain that institutions remain operational and that defensive capacity has not been compromised. The model allows continuity even with high-level casualties.

Reactions and possible retaliations

Tehran promised a response to the attack, with statements indicating that action against energy facilities in neighboring countries could take place. Milícias allied with Irã increased activities on several regional fronts after the announcement.

Israel maintains the stance that operations aim to neutralize direct threats. The incident coincides with interceptions of missiles and drones heading towards targets in Golfo.

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Funeral brings together crowds in Teerã

Thousands of Iranians participated in the funeral processions on Praça from Revolução, in Teerã. The ceremonies highlighted Larijani as a martyr of the resistance, with speeches emphasizing national unity in the face of external aggression.

The event served to demonstrate internal cohesion, despite successive losses in leadership. Autoridades promised that the fight will continue without interruption.

Context of the ongoing conflict

The confrontation between Israel and Irã has escalated since the end of February, with intense exchanges of air strikes and missiles. The death of Khamenei at the start of the war opened a vacuum that Larijani helped to temporarily fill.

The absence of moderate or pragmatic figures like Larijani could strengthen tougher wings in the regime, reducing space for negotiations. Especialistas indicate that future decisions tend to prioritize direct military responses.

Continuity of the mosaic defense

The mosaic defense concept organizes forces into independent layers, with regional commands and specialized units. Essa structure aims to avoid total collapse if central leaders are hit.

Reports indicate that the system allowed quick responses even after recent deaths. The Irã maintains operations on multiple fronts, including support for allied groups.

Funeral highlights national unity

Ceremonies at Teerã included the presence of military commanders and government officials. Multidões expressed support for the regime and repudiation of Israeli attacks.

The burial took place amid heightened security measures in the capital. Autoridades used the moment to reinforce messages of resilience.