The conflict between Iran and the joint forces of Israel and the United States is spiraling toward a prolonged war, as the intensity of strikes and counter-strikes continues to escalate.

Following the loss of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial waves of the joint military campaign, Iran has been relentlessly targeting Israeli territory and U.S. bases across the Middle East.

However, just as Tehran’s "Aggressive Resistance" appeared to be straining enemy forces, the country has been dealt another massive blow.

On the 20th day of the conflict, Iran confirmed the deaths of Ali Larijani, Chief of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), and his deputy, Alireza Bayat.

According to the SNSC and reports from Tasnim News, both officials were killed Tuesday night (March 17) during an Israeli airstrike.

Details of the Attack
Israel initially claimed to have eliminated Ali Larijani in a precision strike. Subsequent statements from the Iranian Security Council confirmed that Larijani, his son, and an aide were killed in the Tuesday night raid. It was later revealed that the "aide" killed alongside him was Deputy Chief Alireza Bayat.

In a statement mourning Larijani’s death, the SNSC said:

Tehran Vows "Final Response"
The deaths have sparked intense fury in Tehran. Threatening severe retaliation, Iranian officials stated that a "final response" would be delivered to the U.S. and Israel.

Simultaneously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that counter-attacks have already commenced.

Who was Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani was a towering figure in Iranian politics. In August 2025, President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed him as the Secretary of the SNSC and the representative of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Political Career: He served as the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament for 12 years (2008–2020).

Diplomacy: Between 2005 and 2007, he was Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator.

Ideology: While he led the "Principalist" faction in Parliament initially, he was viewed in recent years as a moderate conservative.

Influence: His brother, Sadeq Larijani, remains a powerful figure as the head of the Expediency Council.

The "Silent Manager"
Deputy Chief Alireza Bayat was described by Tasnim News as a "skilled but media-shy manager."

Prior to joining the Security Council, Bayat headed Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization and held various roles within the country’s security apparatus.

Context of the Escalation
The current violence follows the collapse of nuclear negotiations held between Tehran and Washington from February 6 to February 27.

When talks ended without an agreement, the U.S. military launched "Operation Epic Fury" on February 28, synchronized with Israel's "Operation Roaring Lion."

The opening phase of this joint operation resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, and several top military commanders.

Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Israeli and U.S. interests in the Gulf. After three weeks of combat, the Middle East has turned into a volatile battlefield.

While Iran has maintained a fierce defense until now, the simultaneous loss of its top two national security leaders marks a significant turning point in the war.