Israel kills top Iranian leaders, Iran vows decisive retaliation

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday reportedly killed two of Iran’s most senior officials: Ali Larijani, the country’s security chief, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force. The killings mark another significant blow to Iran’s leadership, which has already been severely impacted since the February 28 strikes that claimed the life of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The February 28 US-Israeli strikes, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, set off a cycle of retaliation and missile-drone exchanges that continue to destabilize the Gulf region. According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Ali Larijani was “one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership,” functioning effectively as the head of Iran’s operational command against Israel and regional adversaries. Gholamreza Soleimani led the Basij, described by the IDF as the regime’s primary instrument of internal suppression, and was heavily involved in quelling domestic protests.

These attacks follow a series of targeted strikes on Iranian figures in Lebanon and Beirut. Earlier, in March, Israel eliminated several senior IRGC Quds Force commanders and operational leaders linked to Hezbollah, including Daoud Ali Zadeh and Abu Dharr Mohammadi. The ongoing campaign has targeted top intelligence, military, and operational leaders across Iran and its regional proxy networks.

The deaths of Larijani and Soleimani prompted Iran to vow a “decisive” retaliation. On Wednesday, Iranian forces launched a wave of missile strikes against Israeli targets, killing two civilians near Tel Aviv. Gulf nations reportedly intercepted several rockets and drones headed toward US bases and other strategic targets. Iranian state media reported that funerals for the slain leaders would be held on Wednesday, further signaling Tehran’s intent to escalate its response.

Iranian army chief Amir Hatami warned that the nation’s response to the assassinations “will be decisive and regrettable,” underscoring the risk of further conflict in the Middle East. The killings of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani come amid a broader campaign that has already claimed the lives of top Iranian officials, including military advisers, defense chiefs, and intelligence heads. With both sides refusing to de-escalate, the region remains on high alert, and international observers fear that the conflict could trigger wider instability.