Israel’s defence minister announced on Tuesday that two senior Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij militia, were killed in overnight strikes.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement, “Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the regime’s effective leader, has been eliminated.
“Throughout the years, Larijani was considered one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership, and was a close associate of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
“During the most recent wave of protests against the Iranian terror regime, Larijani personally oversaw the massacre that was carried out against Iranian protestors.”
Iranian state media did not immediately confirmed either death but noted that “a message from Larijani’s office would be published shortly.”
However, later on Telegram, Larijani’s page posted a message praising the sacrifices of Iranian soldiers: “ The martyrdom of the soldiers of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Navy in Dena is part of the sacrifices of the brave nation that have emerged at this time of fighting against international oppressors… Their memory will always be in the hearts of the Iranian nation, and these martyrdoms will establish the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s army in the structure of the armed forces for years to come. I ask God Almighty to grant these dear martyrs the highest ranks. – Ali Larijani”
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The announcement comes less than three weeks after US-Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, triggering a regional war. Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is now acting as the country’s leader, though his whereabouts and health remain unclear.
Earlier Tuesday, Israel confirmed that Soleimani was killed in a Monday strike on Tehran.
The Israeli military stated that under Soleimani, the Basij paramilitary unit had conducted “the main repression operations in Iran, employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.”
Isreal Defense Forces wrote on X: “Yesterday, the IDF targeted & eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past 6 years.
Under Soleimani, the Basij unit led the main repression operations in Iran, employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.”
Tehran responded defiantly, firing new missile and drone salvos at Gulf Arab nations and Israel.
Iranian attacks prompted the United Arab Emirates to briefly close Dubai’s airspace, and a man was reportedly killed by debris from an intercepted missile over Abu Dhabi.
The escalation comes amid a broader conflict that has killed hundreds and displaced millions across the region, including in Iran and Lebanon.
The war has also disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices soaring.
