NYT: Panic Has Set In Among Iranian Officials
- 18.03.2026, 12:56
Everyone wondered who would be next.
Israel's liquidation of one of Iran's key officials, the head of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, has raised concerns among Iranian officials about their personal safety.
The NYT reports.
In addition to worries about his own life and safety, Larijani's death has also raised concerns about Iran's future. After all, Islamic State officials considered the liquidated official as one of those who could have negotiated a settlement to the conflict.
The publication notes that the already liquidated head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council was indeed considered one of the most influential figures in the country, especially after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in late February. He played a key role in military decisions, internal security and suppressing protests.
It should be noted that Larijani's elimination was part of Israel's strategy to "decapitate" the Iranian leadership - a series of pinpoint strikes against the country's top political and military commanders.
In the background, Iran has already responded with missile strikes against Israel and facilities in the region, which has sharply escalated the conflict and increased the risk of a large-scale war in the Middle East.
Opinions about the impact of the official's death on the country's future differ, however. In addition to those who consider Larijani's elimination a negative factor for Iran's future, there are those who do not attach such importance to it and are convinced that the regime will stand.
As proof that Larijani's death will not affect the future course of events, representatives of the second theory cite the elimination of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. They say that the Iranian regime survived even after his death.
Reminder, the day before Israel launched an airstrike on Iran and eliminated Ali Larijani - the right hand of the assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was also the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
The liquidation of Iranian top official Ali Larijani was subsequently confirmed by Tehran.