The killing of Ali Larijani, Iran's top national security official, in an Israeli airstrike could dramatically reshape Iran's power structure. As head of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani had served as a crucial bridge between hard-line military elements and moderate political factions during the ongoing conflict.

Larijani had become Iran's de facto leader after U.S.-Israeli strikes killed much of the government's upper echelon. Trusted by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he oversaw the brutal January crackdown on antigovernment protesters and managed relations with allies while preparing for potential military confrontation with the United States. His reputation as a pragmatist within Iran's increasingly hard-line system made him uniquely positioned to build consensus.

With Larijani's death, experts warn of a dangerous shift toward military dominance. Hamidreza Azizi of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs noted that Larijani's skills would have been essential for creating elite consensus after the war. His elimination could eliminate the last moderating influence in Iranian leadership, making diplomatic resolution more difficult as hardline elements consolidate power.