"America and the Zionist regime (Israel) have set the heart of the Iranian nation ablaze. We will burn their hearts. We will make the zionists criminals and the shameless Americans regret their actions." These were the words of Ali Larijani, Secretary of the National Security Council, following the unprovoked joint attack by the U.S. and Israel that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Now, shocking news has emerged that Larijani himself has been killed in a planned Israeli strike yesterday, alongside Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani of the Basij paramilitary forces. 

Larijani was a unique figure among Iranian leaders. With a Master’s degree in Western Philosophy, he focused his PhD research on the 18th-century philosopher Immanuel Kant. While he maintained diplomatic channels with the U.S. regarding Iran’s nuclear program, he remained a fierce defender of Iran’s national interests.

From Najaf to the Heart of Power:

Ali Larijani was born on June 3, 1958, in Najaf, Iraq, into a powerful family often called the "Kennedys of Iran." His father, Mirza Hashim Amoli, was a famous religious scholar. Much like Ali, his brothers held high-ranking positions across various branches of the Iranian government.

Larijani’s academic background was diverse; he earned his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Computer Science before moving into Western Philosophy for his Master’s and his doctoral thesis on Kant. At just twenty years old, he married Farideh Motahhari, the daughter of Morteza Motahhari—a key figure of the Revolution and a close friend of the first Supreme Leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.

A Career Defined by Diplomacy and Defense:

After the Islamic Revolution, Larijani served in the IRGC during the 1980s. He later served as Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance from 1992 to 1994. From 1994 to 2004, he was the head of the IRIB, the state’s official media organization.
As Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, he was a central figure in nuclear negotiations with the United States. However, when joint U.S.-Israeli actions caused tension during these talks, Larijani remained fearless, prioritizing the nation's interests and playing a lead role in organizing Iran’s defense. Despite constant threats from the U.S. and Israel, he was seen marching with the public during "Al-Quds Day" demonstrations just last Friday.

An Irreparable Loss for the Resistance:

The martyrdom of Larijani, a man who masterminded both diplomatic and defense strategies, is an undeniable loss for Iran. Yet, history suggests that Iran often strengthens its resolve when its leaders are targeted. Even the U.S. likely does not expect a nation that has consistently turned such losses into momentum to fall with the passing of Larijani.