IDF Claims Elimination of Key IRGC Figures Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Tensions

Jerusalem, March 20: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday announced that Ali Mohammad Naini, spokesperson and head of the Public Relations Array of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been killed, marking the latest development in the intensifying confrontation between Israel and Iran.

In an official statement, the IDF said Naini played a central role in shaping and disseminating the IRGC’s messaging. “Eliminated: Ali Mohammad Naini, the spokesperson and head of the Public Relations Array of the IRGC,” the military said, adding that he had been instrumental in spreading what it described as “terrorist propaganda” across the Middle East over the past two years.

According to the IDF, Naini was responsible for coordinating communication strategies aimed at influencing Iran-backed groups in the region and advancing operations targeting Israel. The military further alleged that his role as the IRGC’s chief propagandist made him a key figure in the broader network of Iran’s regional activities.

Meanwhile, the IRGC confirmed Naini’s death, referring to it as a “martyrdom” resulting from what it termed a joint US-Israeli “terror attack” during the final hours of the holy month of Ramadan. Iranian state media, quoting official statements, condemned the strike as a “cowardly act of state-sponsored terror” and vowed retaliation against those responsible.

The reported killing of Naini follows a series of high-profile claims by Israel targeting senior Iranian officials. Earlier this week, the IDF stated that Esmaeil Khatib, Iran’s Intelligence Minister, was killed in a targeted airstrike in Tehran.

In its statement, the IDF described Khatib as a key architect of Iran’s intelligence operations, alleging his involvement in surveillance, espionage, and covert missions against Israeli and Western interests. The military also accused him of playing a significant role in suppressing domestic protests, including those linked to the Mahsa Amini protests, during which authorities were widely criticised for their crackdown on demonstrators.

Adding to the escalation, Israel earlier claimed responsibility for the killing of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in an airstrike on March 17. Iranian media later reported that Larijani and his son were killed in the strike in Tehran.

The IDF described Larijani as one of the most senior figures in Iran’s political and security establishment and a close associate of Ali Khamenei. It further claimed that Larijani had played a leading role in shaping Iran’s regional strategy and overseeing internal security measures, including actions against anti-government protests.

According to Israeli statements, Larijani was considered a central figure in Iran’s leadership structure and had significant influence over policy decisions related to the country’s stance toward Israel and its regional allies.

In another development, the IDF announced that Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij unit, had also been killed. The Basij, a paramilitary force under the IRGC, has been accused by Israel and human rights groups of leading crackdowns on civilian protests within Iran.

The IDF alleged that under Soleimani’s leadership, the Basij carried out widespread repression, including arrests and the use of force against demonstrators. It described his elimination as part of ongoing efforts to weaken Iran’s internal security apparatus.

The series of reported strikes underscores a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. Analysts warn that continued targeting of high-ranking officials could provoke retaliatory actions and further destabilise an already volatile Middle East.

As tensions mount, both sides appear to be preparing for potential escalation, with the international community closely monitoring developments amid fears of a wider confrontation that could have far-reaching geopolitical consequences.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)