18.03.2026 15:10
As the US-Israel attacks continue, concerns have increased that high-level political and security figures in Tehran may also be targeted. Following the assassination of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, it has been reported that there was great panic within the administration and that high-level security measures were taken.
With the intensification of the war in Iran, significant developments are occurring within the management ranks. According to sources speaking to the New York Times, while security measures in the capital Tehran have been raised to the highest level, the movement of high-ranking individuals has been severely restricted.
CONCERN OVER "SYSTEMATIC TARGETING" The report stated that there is serious concern that Israel and the U.S. are targeting not only military commanders but also key figures in the regime's political and security architecture. It is noted that this situation has strengthened the perception of being "in the crosshairs" within the administration.
Ali Khamenei LARIJANI ASSASSINATION AS A TURNING POINT The assassination of Ali Larijani, one of the most influential figures in Iranian politics, former Speaker of Parliament, and known for his closeness to the Supreme Leader, in a sensitive attack this week is considered a turning point in the process. Larijani's death has been recorded as the highest-level political assassination since the war began.
On the other hand, claims that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was previously seriously injured and is in a coma have also increased anxiety within the administration.
CLAIMS OF PANIC BEHIND THE SCENES While official statements exhibit a tough and determined stance, it is suggested that a different picture exists behind the scenes. According to the report, high-ranking officials are avoiding public appearances, secure shelters are being used more frequently, and urgent assessments regarding the leadership process are being made.
Ali Larijani CRITICAL THRESHOLD FOR THE REGIME Experts point out that even if the Iranian administration's military capacity continues, the feeling of being targeted among high-ranking political figures could weaken decision-making mechanisms. This situation is assessed to potentially negatively affect unity and coordination within the regime.
U.S.-ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN While negotiations between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, Israel and the U.S. launched a military attack on Iran on February 28. Iran responded with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, in addition to Israel.
In the U.S.-Israel attacks, many high-ranking officials, including Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, were killed. According to Iranian officials, the death toll from the U.S.-Israel attacks has exceeded 1,348, and the number of injured has surpassed 17,000.