Israel claims it killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani
Kartavya Desk Staff
Israel Tuesday claimed it killed Ali Larijani, the top Iranian security official who was seen as a key decision maker in Iran. The Israeli military also said it had killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force. Tehran hasn’t yet commented on these claims. The killings, if confirmed, strip away another set of top leaders from the Iranian administration after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on February 28 strike killed the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with Iranian Defence chief and the head of IRGC. ## Who’s Larijani? Ali Larijani is the Iranian Supreme National Security Council secretary who was also a confidante of the late Khamenei and the Iranian Parliament Speaker. It was Larijani who reaffirmed that the governance will continue without any disruptions following Khamenei’s killing on February 28, 2026. Larijani was recently seen taking part in the Quds Day rally on Friday, March 14, along with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Larijani hails from one of Iran’s most influential political families and has been the senior policy adviser to Khamenei and carried out nuclear talks with the Trump administration. Larijani was also part of the US nuclear negotiations with Russia and China. ## X post after assassination claim On Larijani’s official Twitter account, a handwritten note was posted on March 17 commemorating the “martyrs” of the Iranian Navy, moments after Israel claimed it had killed him. > به مناسبت مراسم تشییع سلحشوران نیروی دریایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران: یاد آنان همواره در قلب ملت ایران خواهد بود و این شهادتها بنیان ارتش جمهوری اسلامی را برای سالها در ساختار نیروهای مسلح استوار مینماید. ازخداوند متعال علو درجات برای این شهدای عزیز خواستارم. pic.twitter.com/dvTdhyDYbY — Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 17, 2026 به مناسبت مراسم تشییع سلحشوران نیروی دریایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران: یاد آنان همواره در قلب ملت ایران خواهد بود و این شهادتها بنیان ارتش جمهوری اسلامی را برای سالها در ساختار نیروهای مسلح استوار مینماید. ازخداوند متعال علو درجات برای این شهدای عزیز خواستارم. pic.twitter.com/dvTdhyDYbY — Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 17, 2026 ## Who’s Soleimani? Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of Basij militia forces, is also claimed to have been killed by the Israeli forces. Israeli forces previously called Soleimani and Basij militia forces an “armed apparatus of the Iranian terror regime”. Basij under Soleimani is reported to have unleashed “violent regressive operations and widespread civilian arrests” in Iran during its internal protests, the AP reported. US and Israeli forces have targeted the Basij and other Iranian internal forces during the overnight operation. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More