Death of Ali Larijani, Central Figure in Islamic Leadership and Scholar of Kant’s Philosophy

Iranian state media have confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, who emerged as the most powerful figure following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli Defense Minister claimed that Larijani was killed during a conflict with the United States, a claim that Iran has also acknowledged. Larijani, who held a graduate degree in Western philosophy and authored books on Immanuel Kant, played a significant role in both Iran’s political and philosophical spheres. Kathmandu, March 20. According to Iranian state media, Ali Larijani, the most influential figure after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died. The Iranian government confirmed this on Tuesday after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz alleged that the 67-year-old Larijani was killed overnight during a strike amid hostilities with the United States. Iranian state media also reported on Tuesday that Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, head of Iran’s Basij paramilitary forces, was killed in the attack.

Larijani, who served as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was last seen publicly during the Al-Quds Day parade held in Tehran. He was among the top Iranian officials reportedly killed by Israel following the assassination of Khamenei on February 28, the first day of the war. For decades, Larijani was known as a calm and pragmatic face of Iranian leadership. He was recognized for writing books on the 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant and acted as a negotiator during nuclear talks with Western countries. However, on March 1, a dramatic transformation was evident in his public stance. After U.S. and Israeli air strikes reportedly killed Khamenei and Revolutionary Guard Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Larijani appeared frequently on television within 24 hours offering aggressive rhetoric. On social media, he stated, “The United States and the Zionist regime (Israel) have set fire to the heart of the Iranian nation. We will burn their hearts. We will make those Zionist criminals and the treacherous Americans regret their crimes.” He added, “Brave soldiers and the great Iranian nation will teach those international oppressors from hell a lesson they will never forget.”