Top Iranian Official Assassinated in Overnight Strikes, Israel Claims

Tehran - In a shocking development, one of Iran's most senior and influential officials, Ali Larijani, is believed to have been killed in a series of overnight airstrikes, according to Israel's defense minister. The statement from Israel has not been confirmed by Iranian authorities, who have yet to comment on the claim.

Larijani, who served as the speaker of Iran's parliament for over a decade, was considered a key power broker and close adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His reported death would be a significant blow to Iran's political and security establishment, potentially triggering a major shift in the country's leadership and foreign policy.

Details remain scarce, but Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz told reporters that Larijani was "neutralized" in the overnight strikes, which he described as a "significant operational achievement." Gantz did not provide any further information about the attack or its circumstances.

If confirmed, Larijani's death would be the latest in a series of high-profile killings of Iranian officials, including the 2020 assassination of top general Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike. These incidents have heightened tensions between Iran and its adversaries, particularly Israel and the United States, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation and conflict in the region.

Larijani, who was 65 years old, had held a number of influential positions within the Iranian government over the past two decades, including serving as the head of the country's Atomic Energy Organization and as a key negotiator in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. His death would leave a significant void in Iran's leadership, potentially altering the balance of power and decision-making processes within the regime.

As the international community closely monitors the situation, experts warn that Larijani's reported death could have far-reaching consequences for Iran's domestic and foreign policies, potentially leading to a period of heightened uncertainty and instability in the country.

The Iranian government has not yet responded to the Israeli claims, and it remains to be seen how Tehran will react to the reported killing of one of its most senior officials. The situation continues to evolve, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming hours and days.