Timeline
March 17, 2026 — March 17, 2026
World
Timeline: The Assassination of Ali Larijani and Iran's Leadership Crisis
This timeline tracks the reported killing of Iran's security chief Ali Larijani by Israeli forces on March 17, 2026, marking the highest-profile assassination since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death on February 28. The event represents a major escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, now in its third week, and removes a key figure from Iran's wartime leadership structure.
12 events · 1 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in U.S.-Israeli Strike
U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989, along with several members of his family. This attack triggered the current war engulfing the Middle East region. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed as the new supreme leader but has not been seen publicly since.
Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Moderate
Ali Larijani's Last Public Appearance at Pro-Government Rally
Security chief Ali Larijani was seen walking with crowds at a pro-government rally in Tehran, displaying defiance against Israel and the U.S. Following Khamenei's death, Larijani had played a far more visible role than the new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, effectively running the country from the shadows.
Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Minor
Larijani Attends Al-Quds Day Rally Supporting Palestinians
Ali Larijani was last seen publicly on Friday attending the al-Quds day rally in support of Palestinians in Tehran, alongside Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. Social media accounts showed him marching through Tehran streets during the Ramadan demonstration.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Major
Israeli Strike Targets Tehran Overnight
Israel conducted overnight airstrikes on Tehran targeting high-level Iranian officials. The strikes were part of Israel's strategy to systematically eliminate Iran's top leadership during the ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally ordered the strikes according to images released by his office.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Israel Claims Assassination of Ali Larijani
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, had been 'eliminated' in the overnight strike. Iran initially did not comment on the claim, though Iranian state media published a handwritten note by Larijani commemorating Iranian sailors killed in a U.S. attack.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Israel Announces Death of Basij Commander Gholamreza Soleimani
Israel's military confirmed it had also killed General Gholamreza Soleimani, head of Iran's Basij paramilitary force, in the same strike. Soleimani oversaw units that played central roles in crackdowns on recent protests and was described as heading 'Iran's central repression apparatus.'
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Larijani Identified as Second-Most Senior Leader Killed in Conflict
Israeli military stated that Larijani's death makes him the second-most senior leader killed in the conflict after Supreme Leader Khamenei. His elimination represented the highest-profile assassination since the war's first day, marking a significant intelligence achievement for Israel.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Iran Rejects De-escalation Offers
A senior Iranian official revealed that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had rejected de-escalation proposals conveyed by two intermediary countries to Iran's Foreign Ministry. Khamenei demanded Israel and the U.S. first be 'brought to their knees' and pay compensation before any peace talks.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Moderate
Netanyahu Calls Larijani Leader of 'Gang of Gangsters'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement calling Larijani the leader of 'the gang of gangsters' that runs the Islamic republic. He stated his military is 'undermining this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people a chance to remove it.'
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Iran Confirms Death of Ali Larijani
Iranian state media officially confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, ending hours of speculation. The confirmation acknowledged the loss of a key pillar of Iran's wartime leadership and the country's highest-ranking official killed since Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Iran Confirms Both Senior Officials Killed
Iran confirmed the deaths of both Ali Larijani and General Gholamreza Soleimani, two of the most powerful figures in the country's security apparatus. The dual assassinations represent a major blow to Iran's complicated security structure at a critical wartime moment.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Leadership Crisis Deepens at Heart of Iranian Government
The death of Larijani removes one of Iran's most experienced policy makers at a critical moment. As secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, he sat at the heart of decision-making on war, diplomacy, and national security. Analysts suggest the regime will likely harden and close ranks in response.
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