IDF kills two senior Iran figures overnight — Larijani and Basij commander Soleimani

The IDF conducted an overnight operational window on Day 18 that claimed two senior Iranian figures: Ali Larijani, de facto leader and NSC head, and Gholamreza Soleimani, IRGC Basij commander. Defense Minister Katz confirmed both. The NYT cited two unnamed Iranian officials confirming Larijani, though Iran has not officially confirmed either death. The Guardian noted reports Larijani may only be injured. If confirmed, this is the most significant Israeli targeting operation since the Day 1 killing of Khamenei. Larijani was the primary pragmatist and negotiating voice. Soleimani commanded the Basij — 150,000+ domestic volunteers, the IRGC mobilization backbone.

Key facts

• •Larijani — Iran de facto leader and NSC head — claimed killed by IDF; Iran unconfirmed, may be injured
• •Gholamreza Soleimani — IRGC Basij commander — confirmed killed by IDF in same overnight window
• •Katz confirms both: they joined Khamenei in the depths of hell
• •Larijani was primary pragmatist and most credible negotiating voice in Iran leadership
• •Basij forces number 150,000+ volunteers — Soleimani commanded domestic mobilization backbone
• •Most significant Israeli targeted operation since Day 1 killing of Khamenei