Iranian officials Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij militia, were killed in an Israeli strike, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on March 17, 2026. The strike was a joint operation conducted by U.S. and Israeli forces amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Details of the Airstrike and Targets
According to the IDF, the operation eliminated Ali Larijani, described as the effective leader of the Iranian regime and a close associate of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani had personally overseen harsh crackdowns on recent protests within Iran. Gholamreza Soleimani, who led Iran’s Basij forces for six years, was also targeted for his role in directing violent repression, mass arrests, and force against civilian demonstrators.
Over a dozen Basij officials were reportedly killed or targeted in strikes across Tehran. The Basij is a key paramilitary force under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responsible for internal security and enforcement.
Context and U.S.-Israeli Involvement
This operation follows a conflict initiated by Israel against Iran more than two weeks ago, backed by the Trump administration. The U.S. government had previously offered up to $10 million through its Rewards for Justice program for information related to high-ranking IRGC members, including Larijani.
Defense Minister Katz confirmed the strike’s outcome, emphasizing the removal of key figures linked to Iran’s regime repression and military programs. A senior Israeli official stated that the intelligence for the strike resulted from joint U.S.-Israeli efforts.
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