Larijani’s handwritten note surfaces moments after Israel claims security chief killed

Tehran: A handwritten note was published on Tuesday on the social media account of Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, as confusion persists regarding his status following Israeli reports of a targeted airstrike in the capital, which reportedly killed him.

The note, which was also circulated by Iranian state-linked media, commemorates several Iranian sailors killed in a recent military engagement with U.S. forces.

It remains unclear if the message was authored by Larijani prior to the reported strike or released by staff as a signal of his safety.

Commemoration of Naval Personnel

In the message, Larijani pays tribute to members of the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran whose funeral ceremonies were scheduled to take place on Tuesday. The text emphasises the spiritual and strategic significance of their deaths in the context of the ongoing regional conflict.

“Their memory will always remain in the hearts of the Iranian people, and these martyrdoms will strengthen the foundations of the Islamic Republic’s army within the structure of the armed forces for years to come,” the note reads. Larijani concluded the message by asking that the "dear martyrs" be granted the highest spiritual ranks.

Uncertainty Surrounding Command

While Israeli defence sources continue to verify the results of a strike on a Tehran command centre, official Iranian channels have not provided a direct proof-of-life or a formal statement confirming his physical condition.

The strategic landscape in Tehran remains tense following the confirmed death of Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, in a separate operation.