Feed aggregator

In the aftermath of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s elimination, Iran’s political system has been thrust into upheaval, and one figure has quickly emerged at the center of power: Ali Ardeshir Amoli Larijani. A longtime insider with deep roots in the Islamic Republic’s leadership, Larijani now stands as the most influential official in Tehran, serving as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and effectively holding the reins of decision-making during a moment of historic uncertainty.

Born on June 3, 1958, in Najaf, Iraq, to a family originally from Amol in Iran’s Mazandaran province, Larijani was raised in a prominent religious household. His father, Ayatollah Mirza Hashemi Amoli, had been exiled to Najaf by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and served there as a senior cleric. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the family returned to Iran, where they became deeply embedded in the new regime’s leadership structure.

According to reports, the Larijani family has occupied some of the most powerful posts in the Islamic Republic. His brother Sadeq Larijani previously headed the judiciary and now chairs the Expediency Discernment Council. Another brother, Mohammad Javad Larijani, has been associated with human rights affairs. Bagher Larijani served as president of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and Fazel Larijani worked as a cultural attaché in Canada. The family is widely regarded as one of the most influential dynasties in Iran, though it has also faced public criticism.

Larijani belongs to the first generation of post-revolutionary officials and was among the early members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He initially worked in propaganda roles before being appointed head of Iran’s state broadcasting authority in July 1994, a position he held for a decade until July 2004.

Academically, he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Sharif University, followed by a master’s degree and doctorate in Western philosophy from the University of Tehran. In the early 1980s, he served as deputy minister of labor and social affairs under Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi. In October 1992, he was appointed acting minister of culture and Islamic guidance.

In August 2004, Larijani became Khamenei’s adviser on security matters, and in 2005 he was named secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. In that role, he also served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator in talks with Western powers. His first term ended in 2007 after disagreements with then-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Larijani returned to electoral politics in March 2008, winning a seat in the Majles representing the city of Qom. He was subsequently elected speaker of parliament for three consecutive terms, leading the eighth, ninth, and tenth Knessets of the Islamic Republic until 2020. He chose not to seek reelection in February of that year.

Over the years, he sought the presidency as well. In 2005, he finished sixth with 5.94 percent of the vote. His candidacies in 2021 and 2024 were disqualified. Even after being dismissed by Ahmadinejad, he remained firmly within Iran’s inner circle of power.

In August 2025, President Masoud Pezeshkian reappointed him as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a move reportedly made at the recommendation of higher authorities. The position is widely viewed as second only to the Supreme Leader and, in practice, even more powerful than the presidency, as the secretary acts as the leader’s chief executor of strategic policy.

Larijani narrowly escaped death in November 2024 during a visit to Damascus, where he had met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Israeli airstrikes targeted the area where he was staying, and contact with him was lost for several hours. Several advisers traveling with him were reportedly killed in the attack, though Larijani himself survived. He later continued regional diplomacy, including visits to Lebanon, where he was received coolly by President Joseph Aoun, who made clear he opposed Iranian interference in his country’s affairs.

His public image inside Iran is complex. In October 2022, during nationwide protests over mandatory hijab laws, Larijani was among the first senior officials to voice measured criticism of the harsh crackdown, urging patience toward young people seeking greater religious freedom. Nevertheless, he and his family have faced scrutiny from segments of the Iranian public, particularly over the fact that some of his children and siblings studied in the West. One of his daughters completed a doctorate in the United States and resides there. His birthplace in Najaf, Iraq—listed in official documents—has also drawn criticism from Iranian nationalists.

Now, with Khamenei gone, Larijani occupies a pivotal position. The Supreme National Security Council is one of the Islamic Republic’s primary decision-making bodies, especially on critical issues such as the nuclear program and Iran’s regional military involvement. Although its decisions formally require approval from the Supreme Leader, the absence of such a figure significantly enhances the secretary’s political and practical authority.

As Iran struggles to stabilize itself amid sustained military pressure from Israel and the United States, Ali Larijani—a veteran of the regime, scion of a powerful clerical family, seasoned negotiator, and survivor of political upheaval and military strikes—has emerged as one of the central figures likely to shape Tehran’s direction in the days ahead.

{Matzav.com}

Nine people were killed and more than twenty others were injured, including children, when an Iranian missile struck a residential building in the city of Beit Shemesh in central Israel during a heavy barrage launched shortly after midday. The IDF Spokesperson clarified that advance warning systems were activated as required.

Hashem yikom damam: Eight people were murdered in what officials described as an especially severe scene in the Beit Shemesh area following a direct missile hit. Numerous additional victims sustained injuries of varying severity, among them children.

Moshe Horowitz, Dovid Leff, and Yechiel Rosenberg, volunteers with United Hatzalah, described the devastation: “This is a scene of extensive destruction across multiple buildings. Unfortunately, several victims in critical condition were located inside the structures. We also provided medical assistance to additional casualties in various conditions, some of them children. Support was also given to residents suffering from anxiety who live near the impact site.”

Magen David Adom reported that 23 injured individuals were treated at the scene, including two in serious condition, three in moderate condition, and 18 with light injuries. The wounded were treated on site and transported to nearby hospitals for further care.

Chaim Weingarten, Deputy Director of Operations at ZAKA, who was present at the scene, stated: “ZAKA Jerusalem District teams together with the Beit Shemesh unit are currently operating at a very difficult scene following a direct hit on a residential complex in the city. When I arrived, I saw tremendous chaos — people injured as a result of the direct impact. We are working to ensure kavod hameis. Further updates will follow. I once again urge the public: Home Front Command instructions save lives. Please follow them carefully and strictly in order to prevent further loss of life, chas v’shalom.”

The IDF Spokesperson addressed the incident, saying: “Home Front Command rescue forces, alongside numerous medical teams and a helicopter for evacuating the wounded, are currently operating at the impact site in Beit Shemesh. The Commander of the Home Front Command is en route to the scene.” The spokesperson further clarified: “Following a review, the preliminary warning as well as the alert were activated as required in the Beit Shemesh impact zone. The circumstances of the strike are under investigation.”

Israel Police announced that officers from the Yerushalayim District, together with emergency and rescue forces, are operating at the scene of the direct strike on a building in Beit Shemesh. Jerusalem District Commander Superintendent Avshalom Peled is present at the site and is conducting a special situational assessment with all emergency and rescue agencies to coordinate continued life-saving operations.

“Yerushalayim District police officers and Border Police fighters are assisting emergency teams in searching for trapped individuals, and bomb disposal units are scanning the area to rule out the presence of additional munitions,” the police said in a statement. “Israel Police request that the public refrain from arriving at or gathering near the impact site in order to avoid endangering lives and to allow police, emergency, and rescue forces to operate effectively.”

{Matzav.com}

El Al has announced that it is organizing a rescue effort aimed at returning Israelis who are currently stuck overseas, pending the reopening of Israel’s airspace.

In a statement, the airline said, “When air traffic resumes and approval is received to operate rescue flights to Israel, customers holding an El Al ticket will be the first to be assigned to the rescue flights.”

The carrier added that ticket sales have been suspended through March 21, or until every El Al passenger with an existing reservation has been accommodated on a flight.

“The closure of the sale is intended to allow priority to the company’s customers whose tickets were issued before the escalation,” El Al said.

According to the airline, passengers with valid El Al tickets will be automatically placed on rescue flights and will receive direct notification once updated flight arrangements are finalized. The company also urged travelers who are currently stranded not to reroute themselves through other destinations.

At present, all El Al flights remain grounded at least through tomorrow due to the ongoing shutdown of Israeli airspace. Travelers whose flights were canceled because of the security developments are eligible to receive either a monetary refund or a travel voucher.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump cautioned Iran that it would face overwhelming repercussions if it follows through on threats to carry out a significant strike today.

Posting early this morning on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Trump also spoke with CBS News last night, hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US and Israeli military action inside Iran.

Addressing the question of who could succeed Khamenei, Trump indicated that he has specific individuals in mind.

“Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates. I know exactly who, but I can’t tell you,” he stated.

Trump added that, following Khamenei’s death, he is fully aware of who now holds decision-making authority in Iran.

Despite the escalation, the President told CBS News that he still sees an opening for diplomacy with Tehran.

“Much easier now than it was a day ago, obviously, because they are getting beat up badly,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Trump publicly confirmed that Khamenei had been killed in the operation against Iran.

“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump’s decision to carry out yesterday’s strike on Iran followed weeks of behind-the-scenes appeals from Israeli and Saudi leaders, The Washington Post reported, citing four individuals familiar with the discussions.

According to those sources, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held several private conversations with Trump over the past month urging the United States to take military action against Iran, despite publicly promoting diplomacy as the preferred path.

At the same time, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu continued speaking out in favor of American strikes, describing Iran as an existential threat to Israel, the Post reported.

Reuters previously reported, based on US sources, that Israel and the United States coordinated the timing of the attack to align with a meeting convened by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and his top advisers.

Khamenei was killed in the operation, along with other senior Iranian figures, including Ali Shamkhani, the former secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, and Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Two Iranian sources told Reuters that shortly before the strikes commenced on Saturday, Khamenei met in a secure location with Shamkhani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani.

A US source indicated that the meeting had initially been scheduled for Motzoei Shabbos in Tehran. However, after Israeli intelligence identified a gathering taking place Shabbos morning, the timing of the attack was advanced, according to the sources.

{Matzav.com}

Violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the Pakistani port city of Karachi left at least nine people killed and more than 50 others wounded on Sunday, after hundreds of demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate, authorities said. The violence came hours after the United States and Israel attacked Iran and killed the country’s supreme […]

WATCH:

IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin announced on Sunday morning that the Air Force eliminated approximately 40 key Iranian military commanders within one minute in the opening strike of Operation Roaring Lion—a historic blow made possible by precise military intelligence. In addition, the IDF destroyed dozens of air-defense systems in western and central Iran, paving the way […]

Footage shows the aftermath of last night’s direct missile impact in Tel Aviv. According to the Tel Aviv Municipality, 40 buildings were damaged and more than 200 residents were evacuated to hotels.

In this episode, Rabbi Reinman discusses the rise of Rome as the dominant power in the Imperial Quadrant.

WATCH:

Chapter Forty-two: The Fourth Kingdom

While the Greek kingdoms were battling each other, Rome was looming larger and larger in the west. Rome first appeared on the stage of world history in the sixth century before the common era. It began as a small city-state spread across seven hills on the banks of the Tiber River on the Mediterranean coast of central Italy. The powerful and sophisticated Etruscan kingdom stood to the north in modern-day Tuscany. The Greek colonies of Magna Graecia (Greater Greece) straddled southern Italy and the island of Sicily.

In its early history, Rome was governed by a dynasty of Etruscan kings, but the people were not Etruscan. At the end of the sixth century, the Romans expelled their Etruscan king and established a republic ruled by the aristocratic Senate and the democratic Assemblies. Fifteen years later, feeling newly invigorated and powerful, they went to war with the Latin tribes and defeated them. Rome emerged as the dominant power of the Latin League.

 In 390 b.c.e., the Latins revolted. Rome spent the next half century crushing one Latin tribe after the other. In 338 b.c.e., they completed their suppression of the rebellion. The Romans now turned their attention to the Greek colonies in the south of the peninsula. In 272 b.c.e., they captured Tarentum, and the entire peninsula was in their hands. Except for the island of Sicily. Eastern Sicily was essentially the Greek colony of Syracuse. Western Sicily belonged to Carthage, a city in North Africa that had a vast maritime empire in the western Mediterranean basin, with outposts in present-day France, Spain and the African coast.

Carthage had a powerful navy. Rome had a powerful army. Both sought to dominate the western Mediterranean. War was inevitable. In 264 b.c.e., the First Punic (Phoenician) War broke out. Rome built a navy to defend against the Carthaginian fleet and invaded Sicily. After years of fighting, Carthage was defeated. Sicily became part of Rome, and Carthage paid heavy reparations.

In 218 b.c.e., the Second Punic War broke out. Hannibal, the famous Carthaginian general, took an army with war elephants through Spain. He crossed the Alps, invaded Italy from the north and rampaged through the country for fourteen years. Meanwhile, in 204 b.c.e., the Romans invaded Carthage, and Hannibal was recalled to defend the homeland. In 202 b.c.e., the Romans general Scipio Africanus Major defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama. In the ensuing peace treaty, Rome stripped away all Carthage’s colonial territories and limited its military.

Rome emerged from the Punic Wars as the fastest rising power in the Imperial Quadrant. Even as Antiochus and Ptolemy fought over Judea, Rome turned its eyes eastward to the vast world of the Greeks. In 200 b.c.e., Rome invaded Macedonia. Four years later, the war was over. Rome forced the Macedonian king to give up his fleet and pay huge reparations. The Romans also declared the Greek states free of Macedonian rule and established a protectorate over them. Rome had arrived on the world stage.

Antiochus III finally realized that the Romans posed a grave threat to the Seleucid empire. In 192 b.c.e., he led a large Seleucid army into Greece to liberate the Greek states from Roman rule. His army, however, was no match for the Roman legions. In 188 b.c.e., the Romans overwhelmed the Seleucids at the Battle of Magnesia. Antiochus was forced to give up almost all his territory in Asia Minor and pay a staggering war indemnity.

In 168 b.c.e., the Romans crushed a Macedonian revolt. They broke up Macedonia into four republics that eventually became Roman provinces.

In that same year, Antiochus IV, the son of Antiochus III, invaded Egypt and defeated Ptolemy. His army stood at the gates of Alexandria. If he could capture the city, he would merge the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms and have the wealth and the power to face Rome. The fall of the city seemed inevitable. In desperation, Ptolemy appealed to the Roman Senate to come to his aid and prevent the unification of Egypt and Syria.

The Senate sent a delegation to Alexandria headed by Gaius Popillius Laenas, a Roman general. They met Antiochus in a suburb of the city. Antiochus extended his hand in greeting, but Popillius just thrust a letter from the Senate into it. It was a decree ordering Antiochus to leave Egypt immediately. The king said he would discuss it with his advisors before responding.

Popillius took a stick and drew a circle in the sand around Antiochus. “Before you step out of this circle,” he said, “you must give me an answer to deliver to the Senate.” This was the famous “line in the sand.”

Antiochus was stunned. Rome had just won a major battle with Macedonia. If he stepped out of the circle without giving an answer, it meant war with Rome. The prospect was frightening. Antiochus capitulated. He took his armies and returned to Syria …

Read full chapter and earlier chapters at www.rabbireinman.com.

Israel’s Home Front Command on Sunday morning confirmed that Iran fired several hundred surface-to-surface and ballistic missiles toward Israel and other countries in the region since the launch of Operation Roaring Lion on Shabbos morning. Dozens were directed at Israel, but b’Chasdei Hashem, there were relatively few impacts. Unlike the coordinated barrages during Operation Rising […]

A direct missile strike next to a residential building in Tel Aviv at about 11:30 pm. on Motzei Shabbos killed a foreign worker who was caring for an elderly woman. Contrary to initial assessments that interceptor fragments damaged the building, authorities later confirmed that a ballistic missile hit next to the building, creating a crater […]

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1720-Semichah-Part-20-Hidden-Purim.mp3

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

The IDF confirms that 40 senior Iranian commanders were eliminated in the opening strike of Operation “Roaring Lion.” Among those killed in the strikes in Tehran was Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, along with other top members of Iran’s security leadership.

In a first since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, the IDF announced on Sunday morning that it launched a wave of strikes at Iranian regime targets in the heart of the Islamic Republic’s capital. “The Israeli Air Force, guided by IDF intelligence, has launched a wave of strikes against targets of the Iranian terror […]

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Stories4Life-Shiur-545-Space-R-Dovid-Soloveichik.mp3

The IDF confirmed early Sunday morning that Iran fired missiles toward Israel, triggering air defense responses and widespread sirens across multiple regions of the country.

In a statement issued shortly after 6:00 a.m., the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said missiles had been launched from Iran in the direction of Israeli territory and that aerial defense systems were engaged to intercept them.

Warning sirens were heard in central Israel, Jerusalem, and Samaria. Alerts were later extended to the Sharon region.

The military called on civilians to strictly adhere to directives issued by the Home Front Command.

Following nearly an hour marked by repeated sirens and sustained interception activity, the Home Front Command informed residents nationwide that they could exit protected spaces. However, the public was advised to stay near shelters as a precaution.

Magen David Adom said 14 people were treated for injuries sustained while rushing to protected areas.

Authorities reported no direct impacts or property damage.

{Matzav.com}

Iranians took to the streets, cheering and setting off fireworks after news broke of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s death.

Thick black smoke billows from the impact site at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq.