In a major escalation in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, Iran has confirmed the deaths of two of its most powerful figures – top security official Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani – in Israeli airstrikes near Tehran. It described their deaths as martyrdom after “a lifetime of struggle”.
The strikes mark one of the most significant blows to Iran’s leadership since the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the start of the conflict on February 28. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) confirmed that Larijani was killed along with his son, aides and bodyguards.
Israel, however, framed the operation as a strategic success. “Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, claiming they were central to Iran’s military and regional strategy.
Who was Ali Larijani and why his death matters
Ali Larijani was widely seen as one of the most influential figures in Iran’s power hierarchy, especially after Khamenei’s death. A former IRGC commander, Parliament Speaker, and chief nuclear negotiator, Larijani had recently emerged as a de facto decision-maker, overseeing Iran’s wartime strategy and internal security operations.
He was also believed to be a key architect of Iran’s survival plan in the event of a large-scale US-Israel attack, making him a high-value target.
“After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he [Larijani]… answered the call of God,” Iran’s Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that was read out on state TV.
Basij Commander killed as Israel targets internal security network
The killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, signals a direct hit on Iran’s domestic control apparatus. The Basij, a force with over a million members, has been central to crackdowns on anti-government protests, internal security operations, enforcement of regime authority.
Israeli forces also released footage of strikes on Basij checkpoints in Tehran, indicating a broader campaign to weaken Iran’s internal stability.
Iran responds with fury after deadly naval attack
Even as it reels from leadership losses, Iran is ramping up its rhetoric and military posture following a deadly US submarine attack on its warship IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka earlier this month. The attack reportedly killed around 87 sailors, with dozens more injured. Iran has termed the strike a “war crime”.
Tehran alleged that the vessel was on a peaceful mission, it t was attacked outside an active combat zone, rescue operations were deliberately obstructed. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, issued a stark warning, “We will not forget the enemy’s crime… we will punish it with deadly strikes from where it least expects.”
IRIS Dena incident: What happened?
The Iranian frigate was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine, hit near the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka. IRIS Dena was carrying around 180 crew members. Following the attack, 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy. Indian Navy assets, including P-8I aircraft and naval ships, assisted in search and rescue.
Iran later released images of coffins, calling the victims “naval martyrs”. Tehran has cited violations of international law and the Geneva Conventions, escalating diplomatic tensions further.
Meanwhile, the US-Israel-Iran war has already killed over 1,300 people in Iran, triggered missile and drone exchanges across West Asia.