Israel Claims Killing Iran Security Chief Larijani In Airstrike

Israel has claimed responsibility for the killing of Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief, in a targeted military strike, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict between both countries.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the Iranian official was “eliminated,” adding that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the military to “continue hunting down” Iran’s leadership.

However, Iran has not officially confirmed Larijani’s death. State media indicated that an update on his status would be released soon.

Israeli media reports claimed that Larijani was attacked alongside his son in a hideout apartment. The development comes just days after he was seen participating in Quds Day rallies last Friday.

The situation across the Middle East remains volatile. Drones and rockets were reportedly launched at the United States embassy in Baghdad, marking the second such attack since the escalation of hostilities.

In response to heightened threats, the United Arab Emirates temporarily shut its airspace due to missile and drone risks from Iran but has since reopened it.

Meanwhile, British Airways announced the suspension of some flights to the Middle East until the end of May, citing “continuing uncertainty of the situation.”

United States President Donald Trump has also called on NATO allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy have issued a joint statement warning that any significant Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon would have “devastating humanitarian consequences.”

Ali Larijani is a prominent figure in Iran’s political and security architecture.

He currently serves as the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), a position he assumed in August 2025 under President Masoud Pezeshkian.

He was also appointed as the representative of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to the council.

Larijani previously served as Speaker of Iran’s Parliament from 2008 to 2020 and was Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator between 2005 and 2007.

Though once aligned with the Principlist faction, he has in recent years been described as a “moderate conservative” and remained a key adviser within Iran’s leadership structure.