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
Ali Larijani, a top Iranian official, was killed in an Israeli airstrike last night, as confirmed by Iran’s Defence Ministry. The attack followed his recent warning to Donald Trump, who had accused the nation of being a threat to global stability.
Strike targets key figures in Iranian leadership
The Israeli military force, known as the IDF, stated they targeted Larijani as part of an operation that also eliminated the head of the Basji paramilitary group. This force has historically been used to quell unrest within Iran’s Islamic regime.
“The nation of Iran is not afraid of your empty threats. Even those bigger than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Watch yourselves, or you might be eliminated!”
Larijani was a member of the interim leadership council, which played a pivotal role in selecting the next leader after Ali Khamenei. The Basji forces, under his oversight, were central to maintaining control during periods of heightened civil demonstrations.
General Soleimani’s fate remains uncertain
General Gholam Reza Soleimani, a key figure in Iran’s military, was reportedly killed on Monday. However, the Iranian government delayed confirming his death, leaving details about his condition unclear. The Israeli military described the Basji as part of the country’s “armed apparatus of the Iranian terror regime,” citing their violent suppression of protests.
Soleimani, born in 1965, has been under sanctions from the US Treasury, the European Union, and other nations for his role in stifling dissent through the Basji paramilitary units.
Surviving the strike: Khamenei’s hidden rescue
Mojtaba Khamenei, the eldest son of the former Ayatollah, was named as Soleimani’s successor last week. However, he narrowly escaped death in a US airstrike and was reportedly transported to Russia for urgent medical treatment. While US reports suggested he was killed, recent statements from Khamenei have shown a fierce demand for retaliation against American forces.
According to Al-Jarida, a Kuwaiti newspaper, the new Ayatollah was secretly evacuated from a bunker strike that claimed the lives of his wife, mother, father, and son. He was flown to Moscow on a Russian military plane and underwent surgery in one of Vladimir Putin’s presidential palaces. The extent of his injuries varies, with reports indicating a broken foot, facial cuts, or even a lost leg.
Iran’s official stance asserts that the new leader is still alive, contradicting earlier claims that he was “not” among the casualties. This highlights the confusion surrounding the aftermath of the strike and the potential for strategic maneuvering within Iran’s leadership.
Stay informed: Get Metro updates direct to your device
Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. You can also sign up for daily push alerts here.