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Iran Confirms Death of Basij Force Commander

Published March 17, 2026, 20:13
Iran Confirms Death of Basij Force Commander

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has confirmed the death of Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij force. Soleimani was killed in an "attack by the American-Zionist enemy," according to the Guard. The Basij, a paramilitary volunteer militia under the IRGC, numbers around 450,000 members, and Soleimani had led it for the past six years, overseeing domestic security operations. Soleimani joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at a young age and gradually rose through the ranks, serving as a battalion commander during the Iran-Iraq war. His ascent continued with the command of various Guard units, until he took over the leadership of the Basij in 2019. Soleimani was a staunch supporter of the Iranian government and had been targeted by sanctions from many countries, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The confirmation of his death comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. The death of Soleimani represents a significant loss for the Iranian regime, given his role in domestic security and his support for the government. Tehran's reaction and the potential consequences of this loss are being closely monitored by the international community.