Israel Says Top Iranian Officials Killed in Wartime Blow to Country’s Leadership
Mar 17, 2026
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel says it has killed two senior Iranian security officials in overnight strikes in a major blow to the country’s leadership. Tehran fired new salvos of missiles and drones at its Gulf Arab neighbors and Israel. Ali Larijani was the secretary of Iran’s S
upreme National Security Council. Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani was the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed their deaths but Iranian state media did not. The killings would strip Iran of important leaders as the Islamic Republic faces its greatest test in recent decades. Trump says he’s been rejected by NATO, most allies to join mission to secure critical Strait of Hormuz as Iran war rages.
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