Israel has claimed that senior Iranian official Ali Larijani was killed in an overnight strike, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. Iranian authorities have not confirmed the report.
In a separate announcement, the Israeli military said it also killed Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, during a targeted airstrike based on intelligence from the Israel Defense Forces. Iran has likewise not verified this claim.
Coordinated strikes on Iran’s security apparatus
According to Israeli statements, the operations were aimed at key figures within Iran’s security structure. Larijani, who serves as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s defense and foreign policy.
Soleimani led the Basij, a volunteer force under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps tasked with internal security. The group has long been involved in enforcing state policies and suppressing unrest.
Who were the figures and why they matter
Larijani is widely regarded as one of Iran’s most influential security officials and has been linked to decision-making during recent crackdowns on protests. Soleimani, as Basij commander, oversaw a force central to maintaining domestic control. If confirmed, their deaths would mark a significant blow to Iran’s internal security leadership and could have major implications for both domestic stability and regional tensions.
