Get to know Ali Larijani, the late Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who shaped Iran's military and diplomatic strategies for more than five decades.
On the morning of Wednesday, 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Iranian authorities confirmed the death of Ali Larijani at age 67 following an assassination in an Israeli attack.
Throughout the past two weeks of heightened tensions, although Larijani was a key target in attacks, he continued to participate in public gatherings in central Tehran and became a symbol of Iran's regime.
He also posted on social media to taunt President Donald Trump and warned Muslim countries in the Persian Gulf that America has never been honest with them, and that Israel is the true enemy. He urged them to focus on their own countries and the future of the Middle East.
Larijani's death may complicate peace negotiations, as Iran has lost a sharp and influential leader involved in key decisions.
Larijani was behind many of Iran's decisions over several decades, earning recognition from various elite groups, including Germany's Institute for International and Security Affairs.
Previously, Larijani was not a main target and was among the leaders favored by the U.S. and Israel. But after pushing for and supporting suppression of Iranian protesters, he became a significant figure under scrutiny by the U.S. and Israel as a military strategist.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council praised Larijani's 50-year political career, saying he worked for Iran's progress until his final moments and called for national unity against external threats.
Larijani was skilled in navigating political changes in the Islamic Republic and was recognized as a pragmatic conservative capable of effective work while staying true to his ideology.
In 1980, he served as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during the Iran-Iraq War and later became head of state television.
In 2004, Larijani served as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator in the early 21st century. Western diplomats described him as knowledgeable and astute, with growing trust from Supreme Leader Khamenei on security issues, becoming Khamenei's key aide.
In 2015, Larijani represented Iran in an agreement with the Obama administration that limited Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. That negotiation marked a positive start toward peace on other issues.
In recent years, he became an important spokesperson for Iran, representing the country in talks with leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin to clarify Iran's conditions for a nuclear deal with Russia, after visiting Oman, and acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.
This loss marks a pivotal moment that could further complicate efforts to negotiate peace.
:CNN
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