Iranian defence chief who issued sinister warning to Trump is killed in airstrike
Iranian defence chief who issued sinister warning to Trump is killed in airstrike
Last night, an Israeli airstrike claimed the life of Ali Larijani, the Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary, according to the country’s Defence Ministry. The attack coincided with the killing of the Basji paramilitary force’s head, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
Key Details
Larijani, who had previously issued a stark warning to Donald Trump, was targeted in the strike. His message had been chilling: “Iran is undeterred by your empty threats. Even those greater than you could not erase the Iranian nation. Be careful, or you might face the same fate.”
The Basji, a key component of Iran’s internal security apparatus, was also struck. The force has historically been used to quell protests within the Islamic Republic. Larijani’s role in the interim leadership council was critical, as the body determined the successor to Ali Khamenei.
Aftermath
While General Gholam Reza Soleimani, a prominent figure in the Revolutionary Guards, was believed to have died in the strike, Iran delayed confirming his death. The US Treasury notes Soleimani was born in 1965 and has been sanctioned for years over his role in suppressing dissent through the Basij.
News of Larijani’s demise came just days after he issued the warning. The Israeli military cited the Basji as part of the Iranian terror regime’s armed structure, noting their involvement in violent crackdowns during recent protests.
Further Context
Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei’s eldest son, was named successor last week. However, he reportedly survived a near-fatal US airstrike and was secretly flown to Russia for urgent medical treatment. While US reports claimed his death, Khamenei later issued a fervent call for vengeance against the United States and its allies.
Kuwaiti outlet Al-Jarida revealed that the new Ayatollah was extracted from a bunker during an attack that killed his wife, mother, father, and son. He was allegedly transported to Moscow on a Russian military jet for a top-secret operation. The details of his injuries remain unclear, with reports varying from minor wounds to severe trauma.
Additional Reporting
The newspaper cited information from a high-ranking source close to the new Iranian Supreme Leader, describing the evacuation as a covert maneuver. Iran later affirmed Khamenei’s survival, countering claims of his death following Trump’s suggestion that the newly chosen leader was “not” alive.
The incident has sparked renewed speculation about Iran’s internal dynamics and its response to external pressures. As the nation grapples with leadership transitions, the airstrikes underscore the volatile political climate in the region.