As Iran’s top national security official and de facto leader, Ali Larijani had emerged as the key architect of the country’s military and diplomatic strategy since the start of the conflict with the US and Israel. On Tuesday, Israel said it had killed him in a strike – a move that experts warned could prolong the fighting.
At the age of 67, Larijani had become a visible emblem of the regime and its continuity.
He even took part in a public rally in Tehran last week, despite being a prime target for Israel since the war began on February 28.
Throughout the first two weeks of the conflict, Larijani was also prolific on social media, goading US President Donald Trump and on Monday…