Summary (tl;dr)

Israel has claimed to have killed Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, in targeted strikes in Tehran, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed these deaths. The alleged assassinations come amidst a broader escalation of US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Essential Background

Ali Larijani has been a prominent and influential figure in Iranian politics for decades, serving previously as Speaker of Parliament and chief nuclear negotiator, and more recently as Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Gholamreza Soleimani is a senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and has commanded the Basij paramilitary forces since 2019, an organization known for its role in enforcing internal security and suppressing dissent. The Basij has been sanctioned by the US and EU for human rights violations. These alleged strikes occur in the context of ongoing US-Israeli military actions against Iran, which reportedly began on February 28 and have already seen the alleged killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.

The Full Story

On March 17, 2026, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij paramilitary force, were killed in targeted airstrikes in Tehran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation against Soleimani was carried out based on precise intelligence. However, Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed the deaths of either official. Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Larijani's status, a handwritten note attributed to him was posted on social media shortly after Israel's announcement, commemorating 84 Iranian sailors.

Why It Matters

The alleged killings of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, marking the elimination of two crucial figures in Iran's leadership and internal security apparatus. Larijani was reported to have been effectively running Iran since January 2026, following the alleged assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and was overseeing the suppression of recent protests. His death would leave a major void in the regime's leadership. Soleimani, as the head of the Basij, was instrumental in maintaining domestic stability and quelling dissent through force, making his alleged removal a blow to Iran's internal security capabilities. This development could further destabilize the region and heighten tensions, potentially leading to increased retaliation from Iran.

Geographic Location

• Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran (alleged targeted airstrikes killing Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani)