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Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Larijani has been killed in an Israeli attack. Israel’s Defense Ministry announced this on Tuesday, while Iran confirmed it late at night. Larijani, 67, was a close adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and was in charge of the country’s security policies during the war. His death is considered a deep blow to Iran’s regime.

Immediately after this incident, Iran handed over the command of the Supreme National Security Council to Saeed Jalili. Now Jalili will take all major decisions in the ongoing conflict with America and Israel. With the appointment of Jalili, who is famous for his hardline ideology, it is feared that Iran’s policies will become more strict.

Who is Saeed Jalili?

Born in 1965 in Mashhad, the north-eastern religious center of Iran, Saeed Jalili’s family background was quite ordinary. His father was a school principal and French language teacher, while his mother is of Azeri origin. He lost his right leg during the Iran-Iraq war, after which his supporters gave him the title of a living martyr.

Important role as nuclear negotiator

Before joining government service, Jalili made a career in academia. He earned a doctorate and taught at the university. Later worked on various posts in the Ministry of External Affairs. He became Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator during the tenure of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from 2007 to 2013. At that time, Iran was advancing its nuclear program, and Jalili led negotiations with Western powers.

Hard-line image in diplomacy: Western officials have often described him as a man with a hard-line ideology. Current CIA Director William Burns once called him a true follower of the Iranian Revolution.

This was the position in the 2013 presidential election.

Jalili also entered domestic politics and contested the presidential election in 2013. Radical religious leader Mohammad Taqi Mesbah Yazdi got support, but he remained in third place. Despite the electoral failure, his influence remains intact in conservative circles. His name is often discussed in succession and strategic decisions.

Expectation of a big decision against Israel

Analysts believe that after Larijani’s death, Jalili has emerged as his temporary or permanent successor, especially until Mojtaba Khamenei appoints new representatives. There have also been reports of simultaneous attacks on several Israeli cities including Tel Aviv under Jalili’s command, which has further increased regional tension.