Israel Says Iran Security Chief Larijani Killed in Strike, Tehran Yet to Confirm

Israel has claimed that Iran’s powerful national security chief, Ali Larijani, was killed in an overnight strike, according to Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Katz said Larijani was “eliminated last night” along with Basij paramilitary leader Gholamreza Soleimani, citing information from Israel’s military leadership.

“Preliminary reports indicate they were eliminated last night,” Katz said, adding that they “have joined Ali Khamenei… along with all those eliminated from the axis of evil in the depths of hell.”

The reported killing, if verified by Iran, would be among the most significant since US-Israeli strikes launched on February 28 escalated tensions into full conflict.

An Israeli military official also confirmed that Akram al-Ajouri of Palestinian Islamic Jihad was targeted in Iran, though it remains unclear if he was killed.

Ajouri heads the al-Quds Brigades, active in Gaza and the West Bank, and played a role in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel.

Israeli officials described Larijani as “the de facto leader of the Iranian regime,” particularly in recent weeks.

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement indicating that he had ordered strikes against senior Iranian figures.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed it had killed Soleimani in a targeted airstrike in Tehran.

“Yesterday (Monday)… the Israeli Air Force… targeted and eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani,” the military said, adding he had led the Basij for six years.

The Basij, a volunteer force under Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, has been linked to crackdowns on anti-government protests.

The strike reportedly hit a “makeshift headquarters,” killing Soleimani and other commanders.

Soon after the announcement, sirens and explosions were reported in Israel following warnings of incoming Iranian missile fire.

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