TEHRAN — Responding to the assassination of Ali Larijani, a towering figure in Iranian politics and the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Iranian officials, statesmen, politicians and regional allies have expressed profound grief, condemned the attack as an act of terrorism, and reaffirmed their resolve to continue the path of resistance against Israel and the U.S. as the aggressors.

The reactions to the martyrdom of Larijani during the U.S.-Israeli air raid against Iran underscore a shared determination to confront perceived external threats and honor the legacy of a man described as a “pillar of Iranian politics” and a “symbol of wisdom and moderation.”    

 “Every blood has a price that the criminal murderers must pay it soon”

The new leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a message offering condolence over the assassination of Larijani, his son and a number of his colleagues. 
The message of the Leader reads as follows:

“With great sorrow, I received the grieving report of the martyrdom of Dr. Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the representative of the Leader in that council, along with his son and some of his colleagues.  

“He was a scholar, insightful, clever, committed figure who enjoyed different experiences in different political, military, security, cultural and managerial fields.

“Playing roles in different layers of the Islamic system for nearly five decades had made him a distinguished figure.

“Undoubtedly, the assassination of such a figure shows his prominence and the hatred of the enemies of Islam against him. The enemies of Islamic must know that the shedding of these bloods will only make” the foundations of “the Islamic system stronger.

“Of course, every blood has a price that the criminal murderers must pay it soon.”

The new Leader of the Islamic Revolution also condoled Larijani’s wife, his other children, and other family members including his brother Ayatollah Amoli Larijani, the chief of the Expediency Council. 

 “Dedicated and courageous service”

President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow over the assassination, stating that the loss of the "beloved Larijani" is "bitter and painful," but the resilience of the "proud Iranian people and their eventual triumph over Zionist criminals will make it even more bitter (for the enemies)."

The president emphasized that the "compensation for this loss is extremely difficult and arduous," noting that Larijani's decades of "dedicated and courageous service" in cultural, political, and national security fields elevated him to the "level of martyrdom."

He added that Larijani's "sacrifice at the hands of the most criminal regime in human history" would be honored by his "companionship with the pure souls of the Islamic Revolution's martyrs," a "worthiness and long-cherished aspiration of this dear brother."

Pezeshkian further assured that "the line of steadfastness and resistance, accompanied by reason and foresight, will continue in the absence of this dear brother," and that "the inevitable victory awaits the great Iranian nation."

Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf stated that the "vacant place of our martyr brother" will be filled by "a wise and brave soldier," ensuring that the "conspiracy of global arrogance and the Zionist regime will be turned back on themselves."

He cited the divine promise that the "blood of our martyrs is a guarantee of the Islamic Republic's definitive and final victory."

Qalibaf vowed to uphold the legacy of Larijani and other martyrs, declaring, "I pledge to continue their path and be the avenger of our fallen brothers in the America-Zionist-imposed war."

Head of the Judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, affirmed that Iran's "devoted armed forces will take revenge for the pure blood of Dr. Larijani and other revered martyrs of the Islamic Republic from the most despicable enemies, America and the Zionist regime."

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a condolence statement reiterating its commitment to the "spirit of the revolution" and the "sacred duty of avenging the blood of this esteemed martyr, who, like other martyrs, is a symbol of national pride and awakening against the global arrogance and Zionism."

“Noble character and rational management”

Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli-Larijani, the head of the Expediency Council and the brother of the late martyr, highlighted Larijani's "noble character, piety, and loyalty to the leadership."

He praised Larijani's different responsibilities in the government as a "reliable anchor" and his "rational management and coordination between the country's institutions" in navigating crises.
Amoli-Larijani also referred to other characteristics of his martyred brother's personality by pointing to his spiritual and religious qualities.

“Devoted armed forces will take revenge for pure blood of this martyr”
 
The Assembly of Experts reiterated in a statement that Iran's "devoted armed forces, in the glorious Army [Artesh] and the heroic Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, will take revenge for the pure blood of this martyr and other revered martyrs of the Islamic Republic from the criminal American regime and the odious Zionist regime."

"A symbol of moderation, reason, and strategic deep intellect"

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Larijani as "one of the most prominent figures" of Iranian politics and a "symbol of moderation, reason, and strategic deep intellect."

He noted that Larijani's "decades of valuable experience in domestic and international arenas transformed him into an unparalleled and influential figure in shaping the country's decisions."

Araghchi emphasized that Larijani's absence is a "great and irreparable loss for the Islamic system" but assured that Iran's foreign policy would continue with "more precision, coherence, and effectiveness."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning the "terrorist act" as not only failing to deter Iran's "iron will to defend national security and interests" but also reinforcing "national unity, resolute determination, and the steadfastness of the Iranian people and officials in defending the country's sovereignty."

It reiterated that the "pure blood of this martyr, like other martyrs of the path of honor and independence, is a guarantee of the vitality, power, and continuity of this proud nation."

The ministry also called on the UN Security Council and its Secretary General to "respond responsibly and decisively to the ongoing military aggression by the Zionist regime and America and their heinous crimes against the Iranian people."

The Ministry of Intelligence stated in a statement that the "scent of the existence of these revered martyrs will further awaken Islamic nations and accelerate the decline and eradication of the American-Zionist enemy and their corrupt allies."

"His blood will ignite a storm against America and Israel”

The assassination of Larijani has also drawn strong reactions from regional and international groups and countries, many of whom have long stood in solidarity with Iran’s stance on resistance.
Hamas expressed solidarity with Iran, stating that the "continued aggression is a crime that threatens the security and stability of the entire region," with the "American regime and the fascist occupier bearing full responsibility for its dangerous consequences."

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also extended condolences for Larijani's martyrdom.

Yemen's Ansarallah declared that Larijani's "blood will ignite a storm against America and Israel," urging the Islamic world to "stand with Iran against the Zionist regime's plans for total dominance in the region."

Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the assassination.

The Kremlin's spokesman, Dimitry Peskov, also condemned the U.S.-Israeli assassinations of Iranian officials.

Furthermore, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned Larijani's assassination.

 “Strategic thinking”

Additionally, Major General Yahya Rahim-Safavi, a military advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, praised Larijani's "distinguished and valuable character," noting his "steadfastness, expertise, and strategic thinking" in serving the Islamic Republic across decades.

“Larijani’s assassination will multiply the spirit of sacrifice”

Former President Hassan Rouhani called the loss of such a figure in "these sensitive times" a "soul-wrenching tragedy," though he acknowledged it would "multiply the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness of our beloved people."

Rouhani also praised the Iranian people for their demonstrations and backing of the government.

The former president also praised Larijani's character and his service in the path of the Islamic Revolution.

First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref stated that Larijani's martyrdom would be an "engine for the continuation of resistance and a strengthener of national resolve against the front of global arrogance."

Aref also pointed out Larijani's different responsibilities and roles, saying he was martyred while fulfilling his responsibility.

"Philosopher of his time"

Kazem Jalali, Iran's ambassador to Russia, described Larijani as a "philosopher of his time" who "shouldered heavy responsibilities during one of Iran's most luminous periods."

Ali Akbar Velayati, a veteran Iranian politician who served as foreign minister for 16 years, warned the "criminal American regime and its illegitimate child in the region, the Zionist regime, that they have made a miscalculation."

Velayati also praised different aspects of Larijani's character and his loyalty to the path of Imam Khomeini and the martyred Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He pointed out that while Larijani was not enthusiastic for accepting roles in government, he was "determined" to fulfill his duties fully after accepting his responsibilities.

"Wise and moderate"

Ali-Akbar Nategh-Nouri, former speaker of the Iranian parliament, also issued a message of condolences praising Larijani's characteristics and conduct as a "wise and moderate" statesman, despite all the difficulties the martyr endured.  

Ahmad Meidari, the Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, remarked during the martyr's funeral ceremony in Tehran that Iran's "commanders are not just those who stand behind the front lines," emphasizing that the "unique trait of the Iranian people is their willingness to sacrifice."

“Key role in defending diplomacy and national security”

Es’hagh Jahangiri, a former First Vice President, highlighted Larijani's "decisive and key role in defending the country's diplomacy and national security."

Abbas Mousavi, an aide to the Iranian president, noted in a viral post on X that "in the history of war, there is a code of conduct," but "nobody expects the enemy to show honor or morality." 

“Filled with passion and eagerness to serve and resist”

Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi, former Minister of Communications, stated that Larijani had long been "filled with passion and eagerness to serve and resist," and that "the enemy, aware of his influence, inevitably targeted him."

Also, Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Revolution's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, declared that the "absence of the dear Larijani strengthens our resolve to achieve the final victory."