Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, has announced the assassination of two prominent Iranian figures: Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. This claim has not been confirmed by Iranian authorities as of the latest reports.
Assassination of High-Profile Iranian Officials
According to Katz, Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the Basij militia commander, were both killed in separate incidents. These claims by Israel mark a serious escalation in ongoing tensions.
Details of the Incident
- Ali Larijani: Known for his significant role in Iran’s political landscape and nuclear negotiations, Larijani has been a key figure for years. His recent appearance at an al-Quds Day rally alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian was just days before the alleged assassination.
- Gholamreza Soleimani: The commander of the paramilitary Basij militia, a part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was reportedly targeted in a precision strike in Tehran.
The Israeli military claimed the strike was based on “precise intelligence” from military sources, although Iranian media has yet to provide any confirmation of these events.
Context of the Allegations
If confirmed, the assassination of Larijani would be particularly notable. It would represent one of the highest-profile killings in the ongoing conflict since the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several members of his family during the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026.
In an intriguing twist, a handwritten note attributed to Larijani was published on his social media, commemorating Iranian sailors killed in a recent U.S. attack, raising questions about his ongoing presence and status.
The situation remains fluid, and both allegations of these high-profile assassinations could significantly impact regional tensions. El-Balad will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the story unfolds.
