Iran Confirms Death of Senior Official Ali Larijani in Israeli Strike

Supreme National Security Council issued official statement carried by Mehr News Agency

March 18, 2026 at 4:17 AM
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Key Points

  • Official statement says he attained “martyrdom”
  • Confirmation issued by Supreme National Security Council
  • Iran War continues to intensify, creating ripples across global economy and energy security

ISLAMABAD: Iran has officially confirmed the death of senior official Ali Larijani in a strike attributed to Israel, according to a statement issued by the country’s top security body and carried by state-affiliated media.

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran, in a statement published by Mehr News Agency, said Larijani “attained the blessed rank of martyrdom” after what it described as a lifetime of service to the country.

“After a lifetime of striving for the elevation of Iran and the Islamic Revolution, he finally reached his long-cherished wish, answered the call of truth, and proudly attained the blessed rank of martyrdom on the service front,” the statement read.

The confirmation follows earlier claims by Israeli officials that Larijani had been killed in a targeted strike, made amid continuing military exchanges in the region. Iranian authorities subsequently issued the formal confirmation through official channels.

Iran’s Fars news agency stated that President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed “deep sorrow and regret” at Larijani’s death. “I saw nothing from him but benevolence, insight, companionship, and foresight,” Fars quoted him as saying.

Larijani was regarded as an influential figure within Iran’s political and security structure, with a long record of public service. His death comes at a time of heightened tensions, with both sides reporting ongoing military activity.

Initial reports had created uncertainty regarding his status, with messages appearing on his official communication channels before the Iranian authorities issued a definitive statement confirming his death.

The broader regional situation remains fluid, with continued exchanges and diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation. Officials and observers say developments involving senior figures are likely to fuel the war, which is already threatening global energy security and the economy.

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