Iran’s leadership has shifted towards a hardline stance after the death of senior politician Ali Larijani, making diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict less likely. Larijani was one of the few influential leaders in Iran who maintained connections with various political factions and was seen as a moderate politician, linked to the relatively calm politics of former President Hassan Rouhani. He played a central role in Iran’s nuclear negotiations and regional diplomacy in recent times.
Now, the nation awaits the new Supreme Leader’s stance, but Israel has already become a target for the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Abbas Araghchi, the current Foreign Minister, being part of the interim leadership along with President Ebrahim Raisi and Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. Larijani, however, had become a key decision-maker on the ground.
Reports indicate that the Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, may gain more influence after Larijani’s death, who is known for his close ties with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and his hardline policies.
Experts say Larijani was a leader who could bridge the gap between war strategy and diplomacy, and his death could strengthen the hardline thinking in Iran. On the other hand, some American analysts say that the US has a wide range of support for putting more pressure on Iran.
Iran’s defense strategy is known as “Mosaic Defense,” developed by military strategist Mohammad Ali Jafari. Arab media reports that Larijani’s death has weakened relatively moderate voices in Iran, with current Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, former President Hassan Rouhani, and former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s roles being limited.
Experts say Larijani’s death may not weaken Iran but make it more rigid and less adaptable, leading to a longer conflict and more risks in the region. Israeli officials have confirmed that the country’s hospitals are filled with wounded people.
Russian officials have sent a message of condolence to the Iranian National Security Council Chief Ali Larijani’s death. The head of the UN fact-finding mission in Geneva, Max Du Plessis, said during an interview with journalists that the investigation is in its early stages.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep grief and regret over the death of senior Iranian leader Dr. Ali Larijani, and has extended condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A US report claimed that Russia is sharing satellite images and advanced drone technology with Iran. Arab media has cited Israeli media that government officials are assessing the operation’s outcomes.
The Governor of Iran’s Lorestan Province said that several villages were attacked in the region of Dorood. The US officials have stated that the removal of Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel was a basic condition for lifting energy sanctions. Arab media reports that Hamas has condemned the death of Larijani in a statement to the Iranian people.
