Israel Claims Elimination of Two Senior Iranian Officials in Airstrikes, Striking a Major Blow to Tehran’s Leadership

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel’s Defense Minister announced the deaths of two high-ranking Iranian officials during overnight airstrikes. Ali Larijani, a prominent security figure, and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij militia, were reportedly “eliminated” in these strikes. This development comes amid ongoing missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against its Gulf Arab neighbors and Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the deaths, marking a critical moment for Iran’s leadership, which has already faced turmoil following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28 during the initial phase of the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel. Iranian state media has yet to verify these claims but indicated that a statement from Larijani’s office would be forthcoming.

The Israeli military previously reported conducting a “wide-scale wave of strikes” across Tehran, targeting military installations and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Following these attacks, Iran launched missile salvos aimed at Tel Aviv and other locations, with some missiles impacting the United Arab Emirates, prompting a temporary closure of Dubai’s airspace. Tragically, a man was killed by debris from an intercepted missile over Abu Dhabi.

Israel Says It Has Killed Two Top Iranian Officials

Larijani, known for his influential political lineage, previously served as the parliamentary speaker and a senior advisor on nuclear strategy to the late Khamenei. He also held the position of secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the nation’s principal security body.

Soleimani commanded the Basij militia, described by the Israeli military as an “armed apparatus of the Iranian terror regime.” The military stated that under Soleimani’s leadership, Basij forces played a pivotal role in suppressing internal protests, employing severe violence and mass arrests against demonstrators.

The U.S. Treasury lists Soleimani as born in 1965 and has sanctioned him for his role in quelling dissent through the Basij. His elimination could destabilize the command structure of the Basij, which is essential for maintaining order within Iran amid rising unrest.

Iranian Strikes Pressure Neighbors and Oil Markets

Iran has intensified its attacks on the energy infrastructure of Gulf Arab nations, including a drone strike on an oil facility in Fujairah, a UAE emirate. State media reported no injuries from this attack, but the incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region. The death of a man from missile debris in the UAE marks the eighth casualty in the country since the conflict began.

Iran’s military actions have raised alarms about a potential global energy crisis, particularly given its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for a significant portion of the world’s oil supply. Early Tuesday, Iranian forces targeted a tanker off Fujairah, adding to the tally of vessels affected since the conflict’s onset.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, stated that the country felt compelled to maintain pressure on shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Iran would not remain passive in the face of attacks.

With oil prices surging above $100 a barrel, U.S. President Donald Trump has called on several nations to deploy warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. However, many countries have expressed reluctance to engage in a conflict without a clear exit strategy.

UAE Briefly Closes Airspace as Iran Launches New Attacks on Gulf Neighbors

The UAE’s military reported responding to missile and drone threats from Iran, leading to a temporary closure of its airspace. This decision was quickly reversed, but the situation underscores the delicate balance Emirati authorities must maintain to keep their major airlines operational amid ongoing threats.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting multiple drones over its Eastern Province, a region critical for oil infrastructure. In Qatar, explosions were heard as defenses intercepted incoming fire, with the Defense Ministry confirming a thwarted missile attack on the capital.

In Iraq, Iranian-linked proxy forces continued their assaults, with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad targeted by drones. The embassy’s air defenses successfully intercepted all incoming threats, though a separate strike impacted a residential area in Baghdad.

Israel Launches New Attacks on Tehran and Steps Up Strikes on Beirut

The Israeli military confirmed new airstrikes targeting Tehran, focusing on command centers, missile launch sites, and air defense systems. While there was no immediate response from Iranian authorities, reports indicate that internet outages and ongoing airstrikes have hampered communication within the country.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have reportedly resulted in serious injuries to two soldiers in Kfar Sir. The conflict has claimed over 1,300 lives in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, while more than 1 million Lebanese have been displaced, with approximately 850 reported fatalities.

Israeli forces have advanced into southern Lebanon, raising concerns of a large-scale invasion. The military’s chief of staff indicated a commitment to intensifying operations until all objectives are met. Reports of Iranian missile launches toward Tel Aviv and other areas continue to emerge, with casualties reported on both sides.

Closure of Strait of Hormuz Pressures Oil Shipping

The ongoing conflict has virtually shut down the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant disruptions in global oil markets and raising concerns about food shortages in vulnerable countries. While some vessels continue to navigate the strait, Iran has stated that it remains open only to certain nations, excluding the U.S., Israel, and their allies.

A tanker off the UAE’s eastern coast sustained minor damage from a projectile early Tuesday, underscoring the risks associated with maritime operations in the region.

As reported by apnews.com.

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Published on 2026-03-17 13:33:00 • By Editorial Desk