Who is Ali Larijani, ‘Kennedy of Iran’ and Iran’s top security chief, allegedly killed by Israel

Israel has claimed that it killed Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani, the secretary-general of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), in recent strikes amid escalating regional tensions. Tehran has not officially confirmed the claim.

Larijani had been one of the most powerful figures in Iran’s strategic decision-making apparatus, overseeing national security policy during a period of heightened confrontation with the United States and Israel. Since the start of the war, Larijani had taken on a far more visible public role than Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since being appointed to replace his slain father, Ali Khamenei.

In contrast, Larijani was seen walking among crowds at a pro-government rally in Tehran last week, a move widely viewed as a show of defiance against Israel and the United States. On March 1, 2026, Larijani appeared in a televised address following joint US-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed senior Iranian leaders, including Ali Khamenei. He warned that Iran would “teach the United States and Israel a lesson they will never forget,” signalling a confrontational policy shift.

Influential political dynasty compared to US Kennedys

Larijani came from one of Iran’s most powerful clerical-political families. His dynasty was so influential that Time magazine in 2009 described the Larijani family as the “Kennedys of Iran,” reflecting their dominance across key institutions of the state.

Several of his brothers held top posts in the judiciary, foreign policy establishment and clerical bodies, consolidating the family’s influence across Iran’s political system.

Central role in Iran’s security establishment

Larijani served as secretary of the SNSC from August 2025, after previously holding the same role between 2005 and 2007. He was also speaker of parliament from 2008 to 2020 and a key negotiator on Iran’s nuclear programme.

His tenure as security chief coincided with rising military tensions and diplomatic breakdowns, including disputes with the International Atomic Energy Agency and indirect negotiations with Washington.

Career spanning military, governance and media roles

After the 1979 revolution, Larijani joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps before transitioning into senior government roles. He later served as minister of culture, head of state broadcaster IRIB, and chief nuclear negotiator, shaping both domestic and foreign policy.

Academic background and author of several books

Larijani held a doctorate in western philosophy from the University of Tehran, with research focused on the work of Immanuel Kant.

Deeply influenced by Immanuel Kant, Larijani authored several books, including:

• The Method of Mathematics in Kant's Philosophy.
• Metaphysics and Exact Sciences in Kant's Philosophy.
• Intuitions and Synthetic Propositions in Kant's Philosophy.
• Open Air and Modern Government: A Promise to the People.