Israel said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) that it has killed the commander of Iran’s Basij militia force, Ghulamreza Soleimani, as well as the country’s top national security chief Ali Larijani. This attack has been carried out on the central point of Iran’s security system. This attack took place at a time when the Middle East war has entered its third week.
Larijani was very special and trusted by Khamenei.
Larijani was considered the most important and trusted confidant of Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei, who used to order attacks against America and Israel. Larijani was active in making strategies against America and Israel. Recently, he was also seen in protests against America and Israel on the streets of Tehran. Larijani’s death will have a big impact on the current leadership of Iran. There is a possibility that the morale of Iranian forces will also be adversely affected. The operation of regime change in Iran by America and Israel will be strengthened.
Basij militia force is part of IRGC
At the same time, Basij is a large civilian paramilitary force, which is estimated to have around 10 lakh active and reserve members. It is part of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). For the last several decades, this militia has played a big role in suppressing the opposition. This force has also recently been involved in the strict action taken against the nationwide anti-government protests that broke out in January.
Its members are present in localities, universities and workplaces, due to which the government maintains a deep hold on common life. Israel and the US have frequently targeted Basij bases and headquarters over the past two weeks as the war escalated into a regional conflict.
The targeting of Basij makes it clear that the US and Israeli campaign is not limited only to weakening Tehran’s military power, but also to weakening the domestic security network that keeps the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s regime strong.
What did PM Netanyahu say on the death of Suleiman and Larijani?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the purpose of the killing of Soleimani and Larijani is to weaken the Islamic Republic’s grip on power and create conditions for public rebellion. He said that we are weakening this regime, so that the Iranian people can get a chance to remove it.
This morning I started looking at myself. अली लारिग’नी झे है बूस शेल मश्मरौत हममफलाफ, झे है गुबूर्त हैंगस्ट्रियम शनमहलतह आत आरान। We are on the lookout for the commanders of Iran, who are the perpetrators of terrorism against the population of Iran and other cities. That’s where we work; Workers are working… pic.twitter.com/bOwQgRZ6Ti
— Benjamin Netanyahu March 17, 2026
What will be the impact of the killing of Basij leaders?
However, it is not clear what effect the killing of Basij leaders will have. But analysts say that the chances of the Iranian government falling in the near future are low. The US and Israel have attacked military, intelligence and police targets across Iran. In recent weeks the Basij have increased their presence on the streets. Checkpoints have been set up in Tehran and other cities as Iranian authorities try to maintain control.
The death of Soleimani and Larijani was announced at a time when Iranian officials were making security preparations at many levels in anticipation of possible protests. Now it remains to be seen whether America and Israel have come very close to a coup in their mission in Iran?
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