Iran Confirms Martyrdom of Top Leader Ali Larijani and Son

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 | Web Desk

Iranian authorities have officially confirmed the martyrdom of Ali Larijani, one of the Islamic Republic’s most prominent political figures, along with his son Morteza, in an Israeli strike, according to Arab media reports.

Larijani, who served as Parliament Speaker for 12 years and was Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, was among the country’s most influential and enduring political personalities.

Netanyahu Claimed Responsibility

Prior to Iran’s confirmation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had claimed responsibility for killing Larijani in an attack. The Israeli leader had specifically targeted the senior Iranian statesman as part of the ongoing military campaign.

Handwritten Message Before Martyrdom

Before the confirmation of his martyrdom, a handwritten message from Larijani circulated on social media, in which he paid tribute to the martyrs of the conflict. The poignant final message added to the emotional weight of his loss for the Iranian nation.

A Life of Service

Ali Larijani was born in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq, into a powerful religious and political family. After joining the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), he rose to prominence within the Islamic Republic, holding numerous key positions over four decades.

Key positions held by Larijani:

• Speaker of Parliament (Majlis) for 12 consecutive years, leading the legislative body through critical periods
• Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
• Iran’s Chief Nuclear Negotiator, handling the country’s most sensitive diplomatic portfolio
• Director of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) for a decade
• Advisor to the Supreme Leader on international affairs

Larijani was also active in presidential politics, running for office and remaining a significant figure in Iran’s complex internal political landscape.

End of an Era

Larijani’s martyrdom, coming just weeks after the loss of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, represents another devastating blow to Iran’s political establishment. He was widely respected across factional lines and was known for his intellectual approach to governance and diplomacy.

His son Morteza, who was martyred alongside him, had been following in his father’s footsteps in public service.

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Regional Reactions

The confirmation of Larijani’s martyrdom has sent shockwaves through the region. As one of the architects of Iran’s nuclear strategy and a key figure in its confrontation with the West, his loss will significantly impact Iran’s political and diplomatic apparatus.

Iran has vowed to respond to the killing of such a senior figure, further escalating the already intense conflict.