Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, was assassinated on Tuesday by the United States and Israel. The 67-year-old was arguably the most powerful figure in Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, who was killed in America and Israel's joint military strikes last month.

Larijani served as parliament speaker, led nuclear negotiations, and worked closely with the late Supreme Leader.Larijani belonged to one of Iran's most powerful political families, long called the “Kennedys of Iran.”

The term refers to the politically prominent Kennedys in the US - John F Kennedy was president, Robert Kennedy served as attorney general, and Ted Kennedy was a long-serving senator.

The five Larijani brothers, all bearded and bespectacled, spent nearly five decades consolidating their power. They built influence across multiple institutions, elected and unelected, making them one of the most prominent families in the Islamic Republic.

Members of the family have run for president, held Cabinet posts, and worked in key institutions such as the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts.

They also led state broadcasting, headed the Supreme National Security Council and held roles linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Source:Ndtv