Iran confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, but asserted that the country’s political system remains strong and unaffected.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that the Islamic Republic’s institutions ensure continuity regardless of individual losses.
Araghchi said, “I do not know why the Americans and the Israelis still have not understood this point: The Islamic Republic of Iran has a strong political structure with established political, economic, and social institutions.” He emphasised that the presence or absence of one person does not destabilise the system.
He recalled that even after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during US-Israel strikes on February 28, Iran’s system continued without disruption. “If anyone else is martyred, it will be the same,” he added, stressing that replacements are always provided.
Larijani was a prominent figure in Iran’s politics, serving as parliament speaker from 2008 to 2020 and heading the Supreme National Security Council. He also acted as chief negotiator on nuclear issues between 2005 and 2007, strongly supporting uranium enrichment. Born in Najaf in 1958, he grew up during the Islamic Revolution and fought in the Iran-Iraq War as a member of the Revolutionary Guards.
Iran also confirmed the death of Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij forces, in a US-Israel attack. Soleimani was considered a key leader in Iran’s resistance strategy. Araghchi blamed the United States for starting the conflict in the Gulf region, saying Washington must bear responsibility for its human and financial consequences.
