Ali Larijani's Assassination Marks Major Shift in Iran's Power Structure Ali Larijani, Iran’s former security chief, was killed in a strike near Tehran, dealing a significant blow to the country’s leadership amid escalating tensions with Israel and the United States. His death, confirmed by Iran and described as a martyrdom, underscores the deepening instability in the region following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this month. Larijani, known as a key architect of Iran’s security policy and a trusted ally of Khamenei, was identified as a high-priority target for Israeli forces after Khamenei’s death. The attack occurred when Larijani visited his daughter at her home in Pardis, a suburb of Tehran. Israeli intelligence reportedly located him through local tips, according to an Israeli official cited by Iran International. The strike killed Larijani, his son—a deputy—and several bodyguards. This marked the second major Iranian official to be assassinated in recent days, following the killing of Basij paramilitary chief Gholamreza Soleimani in Israeli strikes earlier in March. Larijani’s assassination was seen as a calculated move by Israeli forces, who had struggled to pinpoint his location despite his prominence. Analysts noted that his frequent public appearances, including participation in rallies and media interactions, inadvertently exposed him to surveillance. Israeli officials criticized his "arrogant behavior" in the aftermath of Khamenei’s death, suggesting that his visibility made him vulnerable. Despite efforts to evade detection, Larijani’s decision to visit his family home ultimately led to his demise. Iran has vowed to retaliate, with its military chief, Amir Hatami, warning of a "decisive and regrettable" response to the attack.#iran #israel #ali_larijani #pardis #amir_hatami
