Iranian Security Chief Ali Larijani Killed in Israeli Air Strikes

Wed Mar 18 2026 03:36:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Israel has confirmed the deaths of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani during air strikes, escalating tensions in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict.

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Israeli air strikes have killed Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij. Iran has confirmed the deaths, marking Larijani as the most senior Iranian official assassinated since the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Retaliatory actions from Iran have heightened tensions, impacting oil prices and military activity in the region.

Iranian Security Chief Ali Larijani Killed in Israeli Air Strikes

In a dramatic escalation of tension between Israel and Iran, Israeli forces carried out air strikes that killed Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, as well as Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij force. This information has been confirmed by both Israeli and Iranian authorities. The Israeli Defense Minister stated, Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated last night and have joined Khamenei, the head of the annihilation programme...

Larijani, who served as the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was a significant figure in the Iranian regime, consolidating "de-facto leadership" after the assassination of Khamenei on 28 February. The immediate aftermath of these killings has seen Iran retaliating with missile and drone strikes against Israel and allied nations hosting U.S. military facilities.

The implications are not just military; the region's oil prices have surged due to disruptions caused by Iranian attacks, particularly affecting the vital Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have confirmed that Larijani was killed alongside his son and bodyguards, further intensifying the ongoing military conflict.

The implications of these assassinations could lead to further retaliatory strikes and deepen the crisis in an already volatile Middle East. Many in Iran have expressed approval of the deaths of figures associated with state repression, underscoring the complex societal divide amid the tumultuous military landscape.