DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official, was widely believed to be running the country as it reeled from the killing of its supreme leader and a widening war. Israel said Tuesday that it killed Larijani in an overnight strike. Israel’s military also said it killed Iranian Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, who led a powerful internal security force that has crushed waves of mass protests against the Shiite theocracy. Iranian authorities later confirmed both deaths.

Israel's Defence Minister announces the killing of Iran's security chief Ali Larijani in an overnight military strike.

The Israeli military also announced it killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force.