Israel Says It Killed Iran’s Basij Chief Gholam Reza Soleimani on the eve of Chaharshanbe Souri

TEL AVIV, (AP), Mar 17: Israel announced that it has killed Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Basij, in a strike carried out on Monday, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing campaign targeting Iran’s military and internal security leadership. Iranian authorities have not immediately confirmed the killing.

In a statement, the Israeli military described the Basij as a central component of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, tasked with enforcing internal security and suppressing protests. It accused forces under Soleimani’s command of carrying out widespread crackdowns involving arrests and the use of force against demonstrators during recent unrest.

The reported killing comes on the eve of Chaharshanbe Souri, a traditional celebration held just before Nowruz. The festival typically sees large public gatherings, bonfires, and fireworks, but authorities in Iran have issued warnings discouraging participation, amid concerns that the event could spark renewed anti-government protests.

Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi also warned that authorities may use force to suppress gatherings, urging demonstrations abroad in support of Iranians.

Gen. Soleimani had been sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury and the European Union over his alleged role in suppressing protests, including the 2019 demonstrations in Iran that saw significant casualties among civilians.

The strike is part of a broader escalation since late February, during which Israel has targeted senior Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. Analysts say the removal of Soleimani could weaken the Basij’s command structure at a sensitive time, potentially impacting Tehran’s ability to manage internal unrest as regional tensions continue to rise.