IDF Claims Elimination Of Gholamreza Soleimani In Iran Operation

The Israel Defence Forces on Tuesday confirmed the killing of senior Iranian military commander Gholamreza Soleimani during targeted strikes inside Iran. The operation marks a sharp escalation in ongoing regional hostilities.

According to official statements, Soleimani headed the Basij paramilitary wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Reports indicated that Israeli forces also eliminated his deputy, Seyyed Karishi, in a strike on a temporary operational site designed to conceal movements.

In a statement shared on X, the IDF asserted that Soleimani directed extensive repression campaigns, including arrests and forceful crackdowns against civilian demonstrators over several years. The military described the operation as part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s internal security apparatus.

Parallel reports suggested that Israel conducted additional airstrikes targeting senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, a key figure within Tehran’s political structure and former aide to Ali Khamenei. Officials have not confirmed whether Larijani was killed or injured.

Larijani recently appeared publicly during Jerusalem Day events in Tehran alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian. He criticised the United States and Israel, asserting that external pressure would only strengthen Iran’s resolve.

Analysts regard him as a powerful political strategist with substantial influence over succession dynamics.

Israeli military chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir stated that operations continue across multiple Iranian targets. He emphasised ongoing strikes against elements of the Revolutionary Guards and associated structures.

Zamir added that counter-terror operations achieved significant results overnight, potentially shaping broader campaign objectives.

The strikes also targeted operatives linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Officials reported that several senior figures, including deputy chief Akram Ajouri and leader Muhammad al-Hindi, were killed while hiding in a secure location in Tehran. Ajouri had previously survived an assassination attempt in Syria in 2019.

Observers describe the attacks as among the most audacious Israeli operations within Iran in recent years.

Authorities have not confirmed the full operational impact. Analysts warn that such actions could intensify confrontation across the Middle East, as both nations maintain aggressive strategic postures.

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