Israeli Airstrike Eliminates Top Iranian Official Ali Larijani in Tehran
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has officially confirmed that Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an overnight airstrike conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Tehran. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, as tensions between Israel and Iran reach new heights.
Minister Katz Confirms Targeted Strike
In a statement released on Tuesday, Katz detailed the operation, stating, "Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated tonight and joined the head of the destruction plan, Khamenei, and all the thwarted members of the evil axis in the depths of hell." This quote, as reported by TPS, underscores the Israeli government's aggressive stance against Iranian leadership.
Katz further emphasized that the strike was executed under direct orders from himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added, "The Prime Minister and I have instructed the [Israel Defense Forces] to continue hunting down the leadership of the regime of terror and oppression in Iran." This directive signals Israel's intent to persist with targeted operations against Iranian officials.
Additional Casualties and Regional Impact
In the same series of attacks, the IDF also confirmed the death of Gholamreza Soleiman, Commander of Iran's Basij paramilitary force. The IDF stated on social media platform X that Soleiman had led repression operations in Iran, involving severe violence and arrests against civilian demonstrators over the past six years.
Ali Larijani was considered a pivotal power broker within Iran's political landscape. Reports indicate he recently delayed the formal announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as the next Supreme Leader, highlighting his influential role in shaping internal power dynamics. His elimination is expected to have profound implications for Iran's domestic and foreign policies.
Broader Military Actions and Statements
Separately, the IDF carried out a strike on a large underground Hezbollah weapons facility in southern Lebanon's Kfara area. This operation targeted stockpiles that reportedly included cruise missiles and hundreds of rockets, further intensifying regional hostilities.
Earlier on Monday, Larijani had issued a message to the Arab world, asserting Iran's steadfast commitment to fighting against the US and Israel. He stated, "The confrontation today is, in reality, between America and Israel on one side, and Muslim Iran and the forces of resistance on the other. Which side are you on, then?" Larijani also called for Muslim unity, stressing that Iran does not seek hegemony over the region.
This airstrike and the subsequent confirmations by Israeli officials represent a critical juncture in the West Asia conflict, with potential repercussions for regional stability and international relations.
