Iranian defence chief who issued sinister warning to Trump is killed in airstrike
Iranian defence chief who issued sinister warning to Trump is killed in airstrike
Last week, an Iranian defense official who had warned Donald Trump of a potential attack was killed in a strike. The incident occurred overnight, with the Iranian Defense Ministry confirming the death of Ali Larijani, a top member of the Supreme National Security Council.
The Israeli military stated they targeted Larijani, alongside a separate operation that eliminated the leader of the Basji paramilitary group. This followed days of heightened tensions, during which Larijani had issued a bold statement to the former US president.
“The nation of Iran is not afraid of your empty threats,” he declared. “Even those bigger than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Watch yourselves, or you might be eliminated!”
Larijani was instrumental in the interim leadership council, which oversaw Iran’s transition during the period when the Supreme Leader’s successor was being determined. The Basij forces, under his command, have historically been deployed to quell unrest within the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, General Qasem Soleimani, a prominent military leader, was reported to have died in a Monday airstrike. However, Iran delayed confirming his death, leaving uncertainty about the exact circumstances of his demise.
“The Basij forces are part of the armed apparatus of the Iranian terror regime,” the Israeli military added. “They led major crackdowns during recent protests, using brutal tactics, mass arrests, and force against civilian protesters.”
The US Treasury lists Soleimani as born in 1965. He has faced sanctions from the US, European Union, and other countries for his role in suppressing dissent through the Basij for years.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the strike, Mojtaba Khamenei, the eldest son of the late Ayatollah, was named as Soleimani’s successor. Yet, he had narrowly survived an airstrike, prompting reports of his evacuation to Russia for urgent medical treatment.
According to Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida, Khamenei was secretly removed from a bunker in a high-stakes operation. His wife, mother, father, and son were reportedly killed in the same strike, and he was swiftly flown to Moscow on a Russian military plane.
While US sources claimed Khamenei was among the casualties, he later delivered a fierce declaration demanding retaliation. The details of his injuries vary, with reports suggesting a fractured foot, facial cuts, or even a lost leg.
Iran dismissed claims of Khamenei’s death, asserting he is alive. The country’s leadership reportedly downplayed the severity of his condition, emphasizing that he is still active in the political sphere.
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