Israel targets Iran's top security chief Larijani in overnight strikes: Reports

2026-03-17 - 09:42

Israeli airstrikes overnight targeted Iran's top security official Ali Larijani, according to Israeli media reports Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing campaign against Tehran's leadership structure. The strikes come as the US-Israeli joint offensive against Iran enters its third week with no signs of abating. Senior officials in crosshairs According to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Larijani, who serves as head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was among those targeted in the overnight bombardment. Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani was also reportedly a target of the attacks. The results of the strikes remain unclear, with no official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the fate of either official or the extent of damage. Escalating leadership targeting The reported targeting of senior security officials represents a potential shift in Israeli strategy, moving beyond infrastructure and military installations toward individual members of Iran's leadership apparatus. Larijani occupies one of the most sensitive positions in Iran's governance structure, overseeing national security policy and coordination between military, intelligence and diplomatic branches. Broader conflict context The strikes come against the backdrop of a regional conflagration that has claimed approximately 1,300 lives since Feb. 28, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded to the US-Israeli offensive with drone and missile strikes targeting American military assets across Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries. The conflict has disrupted global markets and aviation while causing extensive casualties and infrastructure damage across multiple nations. The targeting of senior officials, if confirmed, could trigger further retaliation from Tehran.