The United States and Israel killed Iran's national security leader, Ali Larijani, on Tuesday. The 67-year-old was undoubtedly Iran's most prominent man since Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, was assassinated in a joint military operation by the United States and Israel last month.
Larijani was parliament speaker, oversaw nuclear negotiations, and collaborated closely with the late Supreme Leader.
Kennedys of Iran
Larijani belongs to one of Iran's most important political dynasties, known as the "Kennedys of Iran." The name relates to the politically prominent Kennedys in the United States: John F. Kennedy was president, Robert Kennedy served as attorney general, and Ted Kennedy was a long-serving senator.Members of the family have stood for president, held Cabinet positions, and served in important institutions including the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts. They also oversaw state broadcasting, the Supreme National Security Council, and positions related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Why Was The Larijani Family Called The Kennedys Of Iran?The five Larijani brothers, all bearded and bespectacled, spent over 50 years solidifying their authority.
Sadeq Larijani oversaw the judiciary for over a decade before becoming the head of the Expediency Discernment Council, a critical body that resolves systemic conflicts.

Bagher Larijani, a physician, served as deputy health minister and held significant positions in medical education.
Fazel Larijani worked in diplomatic and administrative positions, including assignments abroad.
Background
Their father, Mirza Hashem Amoli, was a grand ayatollah who spent years in Iraq and adopted a "quietist" style, staying away from politics. Despite this, his sons became heavily active in government following the 1979 revolution.
Ali Larijani was born in Najaf, Iraq, but relocated to Iran as a child. He studied mathematics and computer science before receiving his PhD in philosophy from the University of Tehran, where he eventually lectured. He wrote extensively about Western philosophy, particularly Immanuel Kant's work, and identified as a Christian conservative.During the Iran-Iraq War, he joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and eventually became a government official. He served as cultural minister, head of state broadcasting, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and, eventually, parliament speaker.