Analysis: If confirmed, Larijani’s death could make negotiated settlement more difficult
By Dominic Waghorn, international affairs editor, in Tehran
Although unconfirmed in Iran, the reported killing of Ali Larijani has sent shockwaves across the capital, quite literally, as we heard and felt several huge air strikes that shook our hotel in Tehran overnight.
Iran’s top security official was last seen in public on Friday, marching with other senior leaders in the capital for the annual “Jerusalem Day” march.
He even gave a live interview vowing to “stand firm” against the US and Israel’s military bombardment.
For Israel, whose defence minister made the announcement, and the Trump administration, Larijani is yet another high-profile assassination they believe weakens Iran’s leadership.
He was one of the first people to address the nation when the previous supreme leader was killed on the first day of the war and was a trusted adviser of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He was committed to the Islamic Revolution, but also known to be a pragmatist and seasoned negotiator who represented Iran in its nuclear talks, as well as being a key intermediary to Gulf nations.
His death arguably makes the likelihood of a negotiated resolution to this conflict more unlikely and raises the question of whether the IRGC will now choose an even more hardline figure to replace him.
He was, though, also accused of leading the brutal crackdown on protesters earlier this year.
Critics will say that should have disqualified him from negotiating any future for his country
Here in Tehran, a few dozen pro-government supporters in Enghelab Square seemed undeterred, waving flags and carrying posters of the former Supreme Leader.
Hours earlier, a suspected drone strike targeted a security vehicle, leaving charred residue on the street.
