Israel Kills Ali Larijani, Basij Commander Gholamreza Soleimani in Overnight Strikes

Israeli forces conducted overnight strikes in Tehran that killed two senior Iranian officials.

“By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING, MIKE CORDER and SAMY MAGDY, Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel said Tuesday it killed two senior Iranian security officials in overnight strikes in a major blow to the country’s leadership”

Boston Herald

Ali Larijani was the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Boston Herald

Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani was the head of the Revolutionary Guard's Basij paramilitary force.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed both deaths.

The Israeli military stated Larijani was targeted in a hideout apartment.

Multiple Basij figures were killed in the Soleimani strike.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a photo claiming responsibility.

Netanyahu's message stated he ordered the elimination of senior Iranian officials.

Larijani and Soleimani became most powerful figures after Khamenei's assassination.

Larijani was Khamenei's main confidant and 'right-hand man.'

Diari ARA

Larijani quickly consolidated power as de facto leader.

The 67-year-old politician emerged as regime's strongest figure.

Larijani took control of government communications.

He sidelined President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Larijani advised Khamenei during nuclear negotiations.

His power eclipsed that of the official president.

Soleimani commanded Basij paramilitary force for six years.

Soleimani was sanctioned for role in suppressing dissent.

The killings occurred amid escalating regional tensions.

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Financial Times

Iran responded by launching fresh salvos of missiles and drones.

Iran hit an oil facility in Fujairah, UAE.

The UAE confirmed Iran launched 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones.

UAE air defenses engaged 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,672 drones.

Iranian attacks resulted in 2 UAE armed forces martyred and 6 other nationalities killed.

157 people were injured from the attacks.

European Union refused to meet Trump's calls for military assistance.

EU top diplomat said nobody ready to put people in harm's way in Strait of Hormuz.

Trump expressed frustration about lack of allied support.

The killings aimed to weaken Iran's government structure.

Netanyahu stated goal was to give Iranian people opportunity to remove regime.

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Both men were instrumental in violent crackdown on January protests.

As many as 30,000 people believed killed by regime this year.

US had offered $10 million reward for information on Larijani.

Israeli military claimed strikes would strain Basij command and control.

Israel stepped up strikes on Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Israeli strikes displaced more than 1 million Lebanese people.

This represents roughly 20% of Lebanon's population.

The conflict has created significant humanitarian consequences.

“'I have never heard him so angry,' Graham says of Trump as Europe balks Sen”

Fox News

More than 1,300 people killed in Iran since start of conflict.

News On 6

Israeli military reported Lebanese casualties including soldiers and civilians.

Iran's grip on Strait of Hormuz sparked global energy crisis concerns.

The strait transports a fifth of the world's oil.

Iranian state media showed pro-government demonstrations with armed men.

Government appears trying to prevent renewed protests.

Regime's opaque nature means other figures will likely fill power vacuum.

Greatest influence now aligning with hardline wing of Revolutionary Guard.

Conflict shows no signs of abating with both sides exchanging lethal strikes.