Israel says killing Larijani is part of effort to give Iranians the chance to remove their rulers

As the war in West Asia continues to intensify, the focus has shifted beyond military targets to the upper tiers of Iran’s leadership, with Israel presenting its latest strike as part of a wider political strategy aimed at reshaping power in Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the killing of Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, was not just a military action but part of a broader effort to create an opening for political change within Iran. “If we persist in this, we will give them a chance to take their fate into their own hands,” he said, suggesting the campaign is intended to weaken the ruling structure from the top down.

The Israeli military described Larijani as “the de facto leader of the Iranian terror regime”, noting that since the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the start of the war, his successor Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public, with intelligence sources questioning his ability to govern.

Iran warns of “decisive” retaliation

Iran signalled a strong response to the killing, with army chief Amir Hatami warning of consequences. “Iran's response to the assassination of the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council will be decisive and regrettable,” he said in a statement.

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The Revolutionary Guards said they had already launched missiles at central Israel “in revenge for the blood of martyr Dr Ali Larijani and his companions". ”.

Despite the targeted killing, Iran’s new supreme leader has rejected ceasefire proposals, indicating that the strategy has hardened rather than weakened Tehran’s stance.

Larijani’s rising influence cut short

Larijani had emerged as one of Iran’s most prominent figures following the killing of Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the war. For a brief period, he held significant influence within the country’s power structure.

His profile had already been elevated after last June’s 12-day Israeli air assault, and he was closely linked to the government’s crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this year.

During the first two weeks of the ongoing conflict, Larijani appeared more visible than Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained out of public view since taking over as supreme leader.

In a notable display of defiance, Larijani was seen walking among crowds at a pro-government rally in Tehran last week, projecting confidence in the face of Israeli and US strikes.

Uncertainty over leadership dynamics

Larijani’s apparent killing marks the most significant targeted assassination since the opening day of the war, raising fresh questions about Iran’s leadership structure.

Israeli leaders announced his death on Tuesday, though he has not appeared publicly since. Netanyahu said the development could create an opportunity for Iranians to challenge their clerical leadership.

His sudden absence brings an abrupt end to the resurgence of a figure widely seen in Tehran as capable of balancing ideological authority with diplomatic engagement, at a time when the country faces mounting external pressure.