TEHRAN DAILY - 18 MARCH 2026
Iran Confirms Larijani Killed; IRGC Launches 61st Wave Targeting Tel Aviv; Basij Commander Death Verified; Projectile Strikes Bushehr Nuclear Complex
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Israel Claims Killing of Iran Security Chief Larijani Confirmed by Iranian State Media
Iranian state media confirmed Tuesday that Ali Larijani, secretary of Supreme National Security Council, was killed in Israeli airstrikes near Tehran, after Israel announced eliminating him as de facto leader following Khamenei's death.
IRGC Launches 61st Wave Targeting Over 100 Sites in Tel Aviv Following Larijani Assassination
IRGC struck more than 100 targets in Tel Aviv in 61st wave of Operation True Promise 4 in retaliation for Larijani martyrdom, killing two near Tel Aviv, while Israeli military reports 192 injured past 24 hours.
US Counterterrorism Chief Joseph Kent Resigns Claiming Israel Deceived Trump Into Iran War
National Counterterrorism Center director Joseph Kent resigned Tuesday stating Israel deceived Trump into conflict and Iran posed no imminent threat, marking first senior administration resignation and highest-profile internal opposition over war.
Russia Lodges Formal Protest After Projectile Strikes Near Bushehr Nuclear Plant
IAEA confirmed projectile hit Bushehr nuclear facility premises Tuesday with no damage reported, while Russia sent formal protest to Israel warning of risks to Russian personnel operating plant, according to IAEA and Rosatom statements.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: Iranian state media confirmed 17 March the death of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, following Israeli claims he was killed in a precision airstrike near Tehran—removing a pivotal figure who bridged IRGC hardliners and diplomatic engagement with China and Russia. Press TV reported the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 61st wave of Operation True Promise 4 early 18 March, striking more than 100 targets across Tel Aviv in retaliation for Larijani's assassination, while Israeli authorities confirmed two killed near Tel Aviv by missile shrapnel. The IRGC confirmed 17 March that Basij Commander Major General Gholamreza Soleimani was killed in US-Israeli strikes, and Iran's Atomic Energy Organization reported a projectile struck the vicinity of the Bushehr nuclear power plant 17 March with no damage to the facility. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated 18 March that Iran's opposition to nuclear weapons development remains unchanged but noted new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not yet publicly articulated his position on the issue. The judiciary-linked Mizan news agency reported 18 March that Iran executed a man identified as Kourosh Keyvani after convicting him of espionage for Israel. END SUMMARY.
