Photo by
Maayan Toaf, GPO/TPS-IL on 17 March, 2026
Iran’s De Facto Leader Ali Larijani Killed in Airstrike, Israel Says
Jerusalem, 17 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz confirmed on Tuesday that Iran’s de facto leader, Ali Larijani, was killed in an airstrike on Tehran overnight.
“Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated tonight and joined the head of the destruction plan, Khamenei, and all the thwarted members of the evil axis in the depths of hell. The Prime Minister and I have instructed the [Israel Defense Forces] to continue hunting down the leadership of the regime of terror and oppression in Iran,” Katz said.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to continue hunting down the leadership of the regime of terror and oppression in Iran and to repeatedly cut off the head of the octopus and not let it grow.”
Katz also confirmed the the death of Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, in the same wave of attacks.
“The IDF continues to operate in Iran with great force, against regime targets and suppressing missile launch capabilities and destroying key strategic infrastructure in all areas, setting Iran back decades,” Katz said.
Larijani is widely regarded as a key power broker in Tehran, described as Iran’s “de facto leader.” He recently delayed the formal declaration of Mojtaba Khamenei as the next Supreme Leader, a move that highlighted his significant influence within Iran’s political establishment.
Larijani had emerged from hiding last Friday during Iran’s Jerusalem Day marches in Tehran, where he spoke alongside President Masoud Pazakhian and other senior officials. “Trump does not understand that the Iranian people are brave and strong, and he does not understand that our people are determined. The more the United States pressures us, the stronger our will becomes. The attacks by the United States and Israel against the Jerusalem Day marches demonstrate their desperation and helplessness,” Larijani said.
