Amanze Chinonye
Israel on Tuesday claimed it had killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s top national security official, in a targeted airstrike, in what could mark one of the most significant blows to Tehran’s leadership in the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military said the strike also killed Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij militia, describing the operation as part of a broader campaign to dismantle Iran’s military command structure.
However, there was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities, and international observers said Larijani’s fate remains unclear, with independent verification still lacking.
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Amid the uncertainty, Israeli officials projected confidence about the impact of their operations. The head of Israeli military intelligence said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had been severely weakened, stating:
“They’re only now waking up to what’s been done to them and how badly they miscalculated us. Their command structure is shattered, their capabilities stripped down to the bone. What you’re seeing launched now is whatever scraps they can still push out. That’s their ceiling. Fighters are hiding under relentless pressure from our airpower and the U.S., others too scared or simply not capable. We’re sealing their tunnels day after day, cutting off any path to more missiles. They’re choking under the pressure, they are in distress”
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Israel’s IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, said operations were continuing in coordination with the United States, underscoring an intensifying joint campaign.
“We are continuing to concentrate forces and conduct precise and targeted ground operations. Cooperation between the IDF and CENTCOM continues to strengthen, with joint actions contributing to enhanced operational achievements. We will continue to act decisively to remove threats to the residents of Israel.”
Larijani, who serves as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, is considered a central figure in shaping Tehran’s military and strategic direction. If confirmed, his killing could significantly disrupt Iran’s internal command structure and escalate tensions across the Middle East.
The developments come amid an expanding conflict involving Israeli and U.S. operations targeting Iranian leadership and military assets, raising fears of further regional escalation as the world awaits Tehran’s official response.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
