Israel Claims Killing of Basij Chief Gholamreza Soleimani in Targeted Strike

Describing the operation as a "lethal blow" to the Iranian regime's internal security and control structure, Israeli authorities noted that several other top Basij commanders were also killed. While the exact location of the strike remains undisclosed, CNN confirmed the report citing Israeli military sources.

Appointed by the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2019, Soleimani played a pivotal role in suppressing domestic protests, earning him sanctions from the US, EU, and UK. The Basij force, operating under the IRGC, is central to Tehran’s domestic stability and mobilization. Coming shortly after the claimed killing of Ali Larijani, this operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Tehran has yet to formally confirm the loss of its top paramilitary leader.