Key Iran powerbroker Larijani killed

The Israeli airstrike that killed Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, 67,
has eliminated one of the Islamic Republic's most seasoned and
influential decision-makers at a critical moment


Jun 3, 1958: Born in Najaf, Iraq, into prominent clerical family; they move to Iran during childhood

1979: Earns degree in computer science and mathematics; later completes master’s and doctorate in Western philosophy from University of Tehran

Early 1980s: Joins Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), serving in senior command positions

1989-97: Minister of culture under President Hashemi Rafsanjani; later appointed head of state broadcaster (IRIB)

2005-07: Becomes Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator

2008: Enters Parliament (Majlis) and becomes Speaker, serving for 12 years and playing major role in shaping domestic and foreign policy

2015: Gains international prominence, backing nuclear deal with U.S. and other world powers

2021: Runs for president but is disqualified by Guardian Council in move believed to clear field for hardliner Ebrahim Raisi

Aug 2025: Appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian as Secretary of Supreme National Security Council – Iran’s top security body

Feb 28, 2026: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes – Larijani becomes key figure running country behind the scenes

Mar 17: Israeli airstrike kills Larijani in Tehran


Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, BBC, RFE/RL
Picture: Getty Images
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