LATEST: Israel kills Ali Larijani, key figure of the Iranian regime | International
Sources confirm that the following story has emerged from the international scene.
Israel Strikes Key Iranian Figures, Including Ali Larijani, as Tensions Escalate
Israel’s Assassinations Mark a Pivotal Moment in the Ongoing Conflict
March 18, 2026 — In a dramatic turn of events, Israel has claimed responsibility for the targeted killings of two prominent Iranian figures on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Among the casualties was Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, who had been one of the regime’s most influential figures. His death comes just weeks after the assassination of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, and signifies a new phase of Israeli operations aimed at weakening Iran’s leadership.
Larijani’s Death: A Blow to Iran’s Leadership
Larijani, often regarded as the de facto ruler of Iran, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday, confirmed late in the day by Tehran. The news of his death came hours after Iran’s state-run news agency, Tasnim, released a handwritten note from Larijani honoring the victims of a tragic event: the deaths of 84 sailors from a US torpedo attack on an Iranian frigate near Sri Lanka.
Before his assassination, Larijani had been actively involved in Iran’s foreign policy and domestic affairs. On Monday, he publicly denounced the United States and Israel for their aggression and urged Muslim countries to unite against these “treasonous forces.” His final public appearance was just days earlier, at a rally supporting Palestinians on Jerusalem Day, where he was seen alongside Iran’s president, Masud Pezeshkián.
“Whose side are you on?” Larijani had asked other Muslim nations, emphasizing that a unified Islamic world could safeguard the security, independence, and progress of all its members.
Soleimani Also Killed: A Message to Iranians
In another blow to Iran’s military structure, Israel also assassinated Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij force, which has long been a pillar of the regime’s brutal repression against protests and dissent. Soleimani’s death underscores the continuing efforts by Israel to weaken the Iranian regime, particularly its internal apparatus that has violently suppressed opposition movements in recent years.
“This is a cowardly murder,” the Revolutionary Guard said in a statement, lamenting the loss of Soleimani, whose role in the Basij was pivotal in maintaining control over the population. For years, Soleimani’s Basij forces were responsible for brutal crackdowns on protests, including those that preceded the war and led to over 3,000 deaths.
Israeli Strategy: Aiming for Regime Collapse
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that his country’s objective is to weaken the Iranian regime enough to create an opportunity for the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow it. Despite the strategic assassinations, Netanyahu admitted that the desired coup or massive uprisings have yet to materialize.
“You can lead someone to water, but you can’t make them drink it,” Netanyahu remarked in a recent press appearance, expressing frustration at the lack of large-scale unrest despite the bombing campaigns. The prime minister continues to believe that Israel’s attacks on key regime figures will eventually provide the necessary opening for regime change.
“We are weakening this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people the opportunity to overthrow it,” Netanyahu said, underscoring that the process would be slow but was necessary to achieve Israel’s long-term objectives.
The Response from Tehran: War on Multiple Fronts
As Israel intensifies its operations in Iran, the Iranian regime has retaliated. On the same day that Larijani and Soleimani were confirmed dead, cross-border attacks continued with Tehran launching rockets and drones aimed at military targets in neighboring regions, including the US embassy in Baghdad and several countries in the Gulf. Reports from the UAE and Qatar confirmed bombings as tensions spiral across the region.
Tehran has remained defiant in the face of mounting pressure. “We will not consider protesters as civilians, but as agents of the enemy,” Iranian authorities warned, indicating that the regime would not back down from its brutal crackdown on any signs of dissent.
The Struggle for Iran’s Future: Can Assassinations Topple the Regime?
The ongoing conflict highlights the uncertainty of Iran’s future. While Israeli officials continue to claim success in weakening the regime, experts warn that eliminating key figures such as Larijani and Soleimani may not be enough to bring down the Islamic Republic. “Iran is not a person; it is a system supported by millions of people,” said Sima Shine, head of the Iran program at Tel Aviv University’s Institute of National Security Studies. Shine cautioned that selective assassinations would not lead to the regime’s collapse, especially considering that Iran has spent years preparing for such attacks by decentralizing key responsibilities to regional commanders.
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, echoed similar sentiments, assuring that Israeli forces would continue to strike with intensity. “Their annihilation program is being destroyed, and their leaders and capabilities are being neutralized,” Katz declared.
Despite these efforts, there remains little indication that a major change is imminent in Iran, with many expecting continued resistance from both the regime and its allies.
Global Reactions: No De-Escalation in Sight
Amid the rising tension, global powers appear unwilling to back down. Donald Trump, in one of his recent statements, demanded “the unconditional surrender of Tehran,” dismissing any proposals for negotiation and calling the war “almost over” despite the mounting casualties. Meanwhile, Israel, under Netanyahu’s leadership, has doubled down on its military strategy, emphasizing that the assassination of key figures like Larijani is part of a broader effort to weaken the regime.
However, Netanyahu’s aggressive stance is not without consequences. His efforts have not yet translated into rising support at home, where his government’s handling of the war is under heavy scrutiny. As the conflict intensifies, the geopolitical landscape remains increasingly unpredictable, with no clear path to de-escalation.
The Road Ahead: A War of Attrition
With no signs of a ceasefire or de-escalation on the horizon, Israel’s strategy of targeted killings and continued airstrikes is likely to persist. As the war moves into its second month, the Iranian regime remains resilient, despite the loss of its key leaders. The situation remains fluid, and the world watches with bated breath to see how this conflict will shape the future of the Middle East.
“Their annihilation program is being destroyed, and their leaders and capabilities are being neutralized,” Israeli officials said, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to achieve the regime’s collapse or simply prolong a bitter, ongoing struggle.
Editor’s Insight:
Understanding these events is crucial for anyone following international affairs closely.
World leaders are expected to respond to these developments in the coming days.
We encourage our readers to follow this developing story for the latest information.
Source: This article was originally published in another language by Internacional en EL PAÍS and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.