“Israel Eliminates Ali Larijani, Key Architect Behind Iranian Protest Massacres,” FDD, 3-17-26.
“Larijani’s death is more significant than that of supreme leader,” Telegraph, 3-17-26.
“Exclusive: Iran’s New Supreme Leader rejects de-escalation proposals conveyed by intermediaries, Iran official says,” Reuters, 3-17-26. Reuters does not attempt to confirm if the new Leader is injured or alive, it just passes through information from the Regime. That is not reporting, that is almost just being a mouthpiece. There is too much at stake to allow others to pretend to be in charge of the country.
“Israel targets Iranian intelligence minister overnight | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 3-17-26.
And Nowruz is coming up, a holiday the Regime has always had difficulty snuffing out or transforming to Shia beliefs and government control. “’Celebrate, we are watching from the sky:’ Netanyahu aims to protect Iranians on Persian New Year,” i24, 3-17-26.
“300 IRGC Basij field agents killed in overnight strikes,” Iran International, 3-17-26.
“Son of FBI agent missing in Iran says US strikes are step toward justice,” Iran International, 3-17-26. “Washington later concluded that Levinson likely died in Iranian custody, though his remains were never recovered. In 2020, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Iranian officials Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai for their roles in his disappearance. Baseri’s name resurfaced this week when Iranian state media confirmed he was killed in the joint US‑Israeli airstrikes on Tehran that also hit Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites and intelligence facilities. Learning of Baseri’s death, Levinson said, felt [his son] like a long‑overdue turning point, matched in significance only by the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on first day of war. “Khamenei had the power to free my dad at any point and chose not to. He knew what was happening and did nothing, so for our family, it’s been an emotional moment — but not one of grief.” His father, he said, “was a patriotic American who always wanted to make sure justice was served — not just in the United States, but around the world.” The recent strikes, he believes, “may finally hold some of those responsible accountable.” Levinson has spent nearly twenty years seeking answers and helping other families do the same. He was instrumental in advancing the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage‑Taking Accountability Act, which strengthened US tools for responding to hostage situations abroad. From those efforts, he’s come to see patterns in how authoritarian states operate — and how they collapse. “There are people who know exactly what happened to my dad,” he said. As pressure mounts on the regime, “maybe some will defect or reveal the truth. … “There’s still a 25 multimillion‑dollar US reward for information about his case.” The strikes, he said, could finally create the conditions where long‑hidden information emerges. Although the family continues to grieve, Levinson said they also feel a renewed sense of purpose. “Justice is coming,” he said. “We’re not going to forget. Those involved still have the chance to do the right thing.” … “Now, with the regime shaken and the world watching, maybe it’s finally time for justice — and for freedom for the Iranian people.””
I am sorry that Joe Kent lost his wife in Syria. He claims in his resignation letter that the Iraq War was “manufactured” by Israel, and that the current conflict in Iran (but not the June 2025 fighting?) was also manipulated by Israel. I don’t have enough information from open sources nor over time to give more insight, but I will note that I’m not seeing much commentary or information in the press about Kent’s personal loss and Israel’s actions and how they are tied together. Nor have I ever heard that Israel was responsible for Pres. Bush’s decision in 2003 in Iraq. See “What we know about Joe Kent – the top US counterterrorism official who has resigned over Trump’s Iran war,” Sky News, 3-17-26. For example, “The First Big Administration Defection Over Iran,” Atlantic, 3-17-26. I’ve circled back to this post on 3-19 to include the only relevant piece I’ve seen so far, and it does not include any information regarding Kent’s claim regarding Israel.
“Gulf States Want the U.S. to Cripple Iran’s Regime Before Ending the War,” WSJ, 3-17-26. In short, they want the head to be cut off the snake. That is a quote that goes back to 2010 when King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia communicated this to the U.S. about Iran.
Significant in that Mossad assets not the key factor, but everyday people who want the Regime to fall. “Israeli official says tip from Tehran residents helped enable Larijani strike,” Iran International, 3-17-26.
“Iran Launches Missile Attack on Tel Aviv in Retaliation for Latest Killings,” NYT, 3-17-26. “Iranian state media confirmed the killings of Ali Larijani, who had served as Iran’s de facto leader.”
After Iran produced so many drones targeting Ukraine, now Ukraine is helping in the Middle East against Iran. “Ukraine says has deployed 200 air defense experts to Mideast amid Iran war,” Iran International, 3-17-26.
“’Fall of Iranian regime real possibility,’ assessment in Israel and US ‘strengthening’,” i24, 3-17-26.
“Day 17 of Middle East conflict — Trump criticizes nations not committing to assist with Hormuz strait crisis,” CNN, 3-17-26.
“Gulf States Want the U.S. to Cripple Iran’s Regime Before Ending the War,” WSJ, 3-17-26.