Iran Confirms Assassination of Ali Larijani

TEHRAN (AP), Mar 18: The Supreme National Security Council of Iran confirmed the assassination of Ali Larijani in a statement carried by Mehr News Agency, following earlier claims by Israel that he was killed in targeted attacks.

The council described Larijani’s death as martyrdom, stating that he had “reached his long-cherished wish” after a lifetime of service to Iran and the Islamic Revolution.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials and state media continued to mourn Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, whose death in a reported Israeli strike was confirmed earlier by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Parliament, described Soleimani as a “glorious general” who attained martyrdom “in the battle against the most evil enemies of humanity,” noting that he was killed alongside his deputy and several other personnel.

In a separate statement, the Basij’s media arm called his death a major loss, describing him as a key leader who guided the organization with “strategic vision” and strong belief in popular mobilization.

Iranian authorities have blamed what they described as an “American-Zionist” attack for the killings, while Israel had earlier said it carried out the strikes overnight. The developments mark a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.