The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) today announced that an airstrike against Iran on the night of 16/3 targeted Ali Larijani, secretary of the National Security Council. The IDF stated it could not yet conclude whether the operation was successful. Separately, the IDF confirmed it killed Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran's Basij paramilitary force, along with his deputy and several other senior members.
Three anonymous sources told the Times of Israel that the attack on Larijani was "one of the most significant assassination operations" since the conflict erupted. However, the sources did not confirm the Iranian official's status, nor did they describe the context or location of the strike.
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Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's National Security Council, during a visit to Lebanon in 8/2025. Photo: AFP. |
During a situation assessment meeting this morning, IDF commander Eyal Zamir referred to the assassination operation. He stated the Israeli military recorded "significant target neutralization results last night," emphasizing this would impact the IDF's operations and mission.
Zamir added that the IDF also launched attacks targeting "senior members" involved in anti-Israel activities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. An Israeli defense source revealed that one target in an airstrike was Akram al-Ajouri, leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, along with other senior officials of the group.
Iran has not commented on the information.
Ali Larijani is Iran's top national security official and one of the most influential figures in the country's leadership. He previously served as a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and then as Speaker of Parliament before becoming secretary of the National Security Council.
In the weeks leading up to the conflict, Larijani oversaw daily government operations and participated in negotiations with Western powers. Israeli media suggests that his death or injury would significantly impact Iran's strategic situation.
By Thanh Danh (According to Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, Reuters)
