Israel says it has killed two senior Iranian security figures, Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, in overnight strikes, in what would be one of the most high-profile blows to Iran’s leadership since the current conflict began. Iran has not publicly confirmed the deaths.
Larijani Soleimani killed claims announced by Israel’s defense minister
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he was briefed by Israel’s military leadership that Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, were “eliminated” during operations overnight. Katz framed the reported killings as part of Israel’s campaign against Iran’s leadership and security apparatus.
Israeli military points to targeted strikes in Tehran
The Israel Defense Forces said in a post on X that Larijani had been “eliminated,” describing him as a senior figure in the Iranian system. The IDF statement did not include independent verification of the outcome, and Iranian authorities have not issued a public confirmation.
Basij commander’s role in internal security highlighted
In a separate statement cited by international media, the IDF said it targeted and killed Soleimani after describing the Basij as central to domestic repression, including the use of arrests and force against civilian demonstrators.
US reward program had listed Larijani among IRGC-linked figures
The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program has an active offer of up to $10 million for information on key leaders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its component branches, listing Larijani among the individuals named under the reward notice.
Claims come as war enters its third week
The announcements came as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran entered a third week, with reports of continued strikes in and around Tehran and widening regional fallout, while key elements of Israel’s claims—including reported senior leadership deaths—remain unconfirmed by Iran.