DUBAI – The Israeli military has announced the assassination of Ali Larijani, Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a pivotal figure in the nation’s security apparatus. Alongside Larijani, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij militia, a volunteer paramilitary wing of the Revolutionary Guard. The strikes, which took place in Tehran on Tuesday, represent the most significant blow to Iran’s leadership since the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.
According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Larijani and Soleimani were targeted due to their roles in coordinating regional “terror” operations and the brutal suppression of domestic civilian protests. The IDF stated that Larijani had become the de facto leader of the Iranian regime following the power vacuum left by earlier strikes. While the Israeli government celebrated the operation as a step toward “giving the Iranian people a chance to take their destiny into their own hands,” the assassinations have triggered an immediate and violent escalation across the Middle East.
Gulf Airspace Closed Amid Retaliatory Missile Rain
In the hours following the announcement, Iran launched a massive wave of missile and drone attacks targeting major hubs in the Gulf. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel centers, was forced to temporarily suspend all flight operations and close its airspace as a precautionary measure. Reports indicate that air defense systems were active across the region, with the UAE military engaging dozens of ballistic missiles and drones.
The conflict has already turned deadly for civilians in neighboring countries. In Abu Dhabi, falling shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian missile reportedly killed a Pakistani national in the Bani Yas area. Similar explosions and interceptions were reported over the Qatari capital, Doha, and the Saudi Arabian eastern province. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority described the airspace closure as an “exceptional precautionary measure” necessitated by the rapidly evolving security threats.
Total War on Multiple Fronts
The assassinations come as Israel expands its “decapitation” strategy against Iranian political and military leadership. Beyond the strikes in Tehran, Israel has intensified its bombardment of Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon and conducted fresh operations against IRGC-linked sites. Meanwhile, sirens blared across Tel Aviv as Iran retaliated with its own missile volleys, underscoring that neither side is currently seeking a diplomatic off-ramp.
As the war enters its third week, the humanitarian and economic toll continues to mount. With over ten senior Iranian officials now confirmed killed since late February, analysts warn that the regional stability is at its most fragile point in decades. International observers fear that the continued targeting of high-level leadership, combined with Iran’s willingness to strike at the heart of global travel and oil hubs, may push the conflict into an uncontrollable continental war.
