DOHA: Israel’s military has claimed that Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian political and security figure, was killed in an overnight airstrike in Tehran.

The confirmation came after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the operation, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stating that Larijani was specifically targeted by the Israeli Air Force in the Iranian capital.

According to the IDF, Larijani—described as the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council—had emerged as the “de facto leader” of Iran following the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in earlier strikes at the outset of the conflict on February 28.

The military described Larijani as one of the most senior and longstanding figures within Iran’s leadership, with close ties to Khamenei. It said he had taken charge of coordinating Iran’s political and security strategy, including directing operations against Israel and its regional allies.

The statement further alleged that Larijani played a central role in managing Iran’s international activities and overseeing internal security measures. During recent anti-government protests, the IDF claimed, he led enforcement operations and was directly involved in the suppression of demonstrators.

There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding Larijani’s death or the Israeli claims.