Typos

Why the Death of Ali Larijani Could Be a Greater Loss for Iran Than That of Khamenei

Published March 18, 2026, 08:23
Why the Death of Ali Larijani Could Be a Greater Loss for Iran Than That of Khamenei

The elimination of Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in an Israeli attack is considered by many analysts to be a greater loss for Iran than the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani, unlike Khamenei, was not simply a leader with absolute power, but a politician who could bridge the different power centers in Iran, from the Revolutionary Guards to the political leadership. His ability to unite different factions and maintain communication channels with international actors, such as China and Russia, made him an irreplaceable “mediator” in a period of intense internal and external pressure. His absence leaves a gap in Iran's ability to manage crises and promote dialogue with the West. His elimination dramatically limits Iran's ability to flexibly manage the crisis and strengthens the risk of the dominance of the most hardline elements, which do not have the same flexibility or international acceptance. Furthermore, his absence highlights the lack of alternative leadership figures in Iran, making any attempt at political stabilization difficult. Overall, the death of Larijani is considered a serious blow to Iran's ability to respond to the challenges it faces and shape a sustainable strategy for the future.