A major escalation in Iran’s political and military landscape has been reported, with claims that two prominent Iranian figures were killed in an Israeli missile strike.
According to reports, Brigadier General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in the attack. Israeli sources state that the operation was carried out through a targeted missile strike.
Soleimani, aged 62, was widely regarded as a central figure in maintaining Iran’s internal security over the past six years. His leadership of the Basij force—an organization consisting of hundreds of thousands of personnel—played a crucial role in suppressing anti-government protests and maintaining state control during periods of unrest.
In the same strike, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Strategic Council and a former Speaker of Parliament, is also reported to have been killed. The claim was confirmed by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz. However, Iranian authorities have denied the reports regarding Larijani’s death.
Adding to the uncertainty, a handwritten message attributed to Larijani was recently published عبر his social media accounts, raising questions about whether he is still alive.
This latest strike follows a series of escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Reports also indicate that a previous joint operation by the US and Israel targeted Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict.
Profile: Gholam Reza Soleimani
Born in 1964 in Farsan, Iran, Gholam Reza Soleimani began his military career during the Iran-Iraq War in the early 1980s as a young volunteer. He later joined the IRGC and rose through the ranks due to his operational experience and leadership capabilities.
Contrary to some assumptions, he was not related to Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed in a US strike in 2020.
Following the war, he served as a senior commander in Isfahan Province and was promoted to Brigadier General in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed head of the Basij force by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Soleimani was also academically accomplished, holding a degree in history from the University of Isfahan and reportedly working toward a PhD in Islamic history.
His tenure was marked by strong involvement in suppressing major protests, including the 2019 demonstrations, the unrest following Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, and more recent anti-government protests in 2026. Due to these actions, he was sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Ali Larijani’s Role and Controversy
Ali Larijani has been a key figure in Iranian politics, serving as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and as Speaker of Parliament. He was also a prominent diplomat who played a leading role in Iran’s nuclear negotiations with Western countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the reported strike on Larijani as a “decisive blow” aimed at weakening Iran’s ruling structure. However, Tehran has strongly rejected these claims.
Larijani was last seen publicly at the Al-Quds Day rally held last Friday (13), where he criticized neighboring Gulf states for remaining silent in the face of US and Israeli actions against Iran.
Global Implications
The reported killings mark a significant development in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Analysts warn that the loss of such high-ranking figures could have serious implications for Iran’s internal security structure and regional stability.
The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports continuing to emerge. The international community is closely monitoring developments as tensions escalate further.
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