The Iranian regime has confirmed the deaths of two key security officials in recent days, escalating tensions in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict with Israel. The confirmations reach as fighting intensifies and concerns grow about a wider regional war.
Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force, was killed in recent bombardments, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Soleimani, who led the Basij for six years, was known for his role in suppressing citizen protests. His death was initially announced by Israel, which claimed he was killed in a precision airstrike in Tehran.
Also confirmed dead is Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. According to reports, Larijani was targeted in an attack involving “American and Israeli fighter planes” at his daughter’s home, as reported by Fars News Agency. The confirmations follow an earlier announcement by Israel, during what they have termed “Operation Epic Fury,” that both men had been killed in a strike on Tehran.
The deaths of Larijani and Soleimani bring the number of high-ranking Iranian figures killed in recent weeks to at least three, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who reportedly died on February 28, 2026, at the start of the conflict. This development underscores growing regional instability and the increasing risk of escalation.
Following the confirmations, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced that strikes targeting areas near Tel Aviv early Wednesday, March 18, 2026, were carried out “to avenge the blood” of Larijani and other Iranian officials.
Iranian officials have described Larijani as the “de facto leader” of the regime, particularly in the last two weeks. A military official, speaking anonymously, stated that Larijani was “the one who made the decisions and pulled the strings.”
The Iranian military has vowed retribution, with Army Chief Amir Hatami stating, “The pure blood of (Ali Larijani) and other beloved martyrs will be avenged.”
Meanwhile, the conflict is expanding beyond Iran and Israel. The United States announced Tuesday it had targeted Iranian missile sites near the strategic Strait of Hormuz with some of its most powerful bombs. Despite the escalating situation, former President Donald Trump stated he would not seek assistance from NATO allies to secure the Strait, posting on his social media account, “We don’t need and we don’t want the support of NATO countries. WE NEVER DID.”
Iran continues to launch attacks against Israel and its neighbors. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting several drones and a ballistic missile near Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts U.S. Military personnel. The United Arab Emirates also reported an “Iranian projectile” falling near the headquarters of the Australian army’s Middle East contingent at Al Minhad base, south of Dubai, though no injuries were reported. Qatar and Kuwait also announced intercepting attacks.
Fighting has also intensified in Lebanon, where Israel continues its offensive against the Hezbollah movement. Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, resulted in at least six deaths and 24 injuries, according to preliminary reports. The strikes targeted the Zoukak el-Blat and Basta neighborhoods, and a third strike hit the Bachoura district after Israel issued an evacuation order.
The Israeli army has also begun striking “Hezbollah terrorist targets” in the Tyre region of southern Lebanon, in response to rocket fire towards Israel. An evacuation order for Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, prompted widespread panic and a mass exodus of residents.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the consequences of the conflict will be felt globally, stating on X, “The wave of global repercussions has only begun and will hit all—regardless of wealth, faith, or race. Our foe is one.”
By Le360 (with AFP)
March 18, 2026 at 07:57
