Israel Eliminates Iran Security Chief Ali Larijani in Major Strike, Escalating Middle East Conflict

Kuala Lumpur, Israel has confirmed the killing of Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, in a targeted airstrike, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran.

According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the operation also eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary forces, along with other senior figures. The strike is part of a broader military campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure.

Larijani, who served as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, had become one of the most powerful figures in the country—effectively acting as a key decision-maker following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier in the conflict.

Israeli officials described the operation as a “precise strike” near Tehran, targeting what they called a central figure in Iran’s strategic and military coordination. His death is expected to leave a major gap in Iran’s leadership structure.

The Basij forces, led by Soleimani, have long played a critical role in internal security operations, including suppressing protests and maintaining regime control.

The killings represent one of the highest-level blows to Iran since the start of the war in late February 2026, when joint U.S.–Israeli strikes triggered a wider regional conflict.

Analysts say the targeted assassinations are part of Israel’s broader strategy to disrupt Iran’s command structure. However, experts also warn that such actions could further escalate tensions and provoke retaliation, potentially destabilizing the wider Middle East.

Iran has already vowed to respond, raising concerns over a prolonged conflict that could impact global energy markets and regional security.