Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has claimed that Ali Larijani was killed in an airstrike carried out in Iran last night. The Israeli military targeted Ali Larijani—the Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council in this attack.
Larijani was considered a very close associate of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Following Khamenei’s death, he had emerged as a prominent figure within the Iranian regime. Amidst these claims, Larijani’s office has stated that he will address the press shortly to provide information.
Claim of Basij Force Commander’s Death as Well
In these strikes, the Israeli military (IDF) has also claimed to have killed Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij Force. The military reported that Soleimani was targeted at a tent camp. The Basij Force had established this camp after Israel destroyed their previous headquarters. Along with Soleimani, the Deputy Commander of the Basij Force and several other senior officers were also killed in this attack. The Basij Force is known for brutally crushing protests within Iran; they also faced accusations of killing numerous Iranian citizens.
Action Taken Against the Islamic Jihad Leader as Well
Israel has targeted not only Iranian leaders but also the leaders of Palestinian militant groups. The military reported that they also launched an attack against Akram al-Ajouri, a senior leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The military believes that Akram al-Ajouri was killed in this strike, though this remains to be fully confirmed.
Tweet from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office
Amidst the claims regarding Ali Larijani’s death, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office shared a post on X (formerly Twitter). The caption read: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu giving the order to eliminate senior officials of the Iranian regime.”