Israel kills Iran's national security chief, Israeli defense minister says

• An Israeli official said Soleimani was in charge of crushing protests and that his killing is aimed at enabling a popular uprising.

What they are saying: Israeli Defense Minister Katz vowed to continue "hunting the leadership of Iran's terror and oppression regime and to repeatedly cut the head of the octopus and not allow it to grow back."

The other side: The Iranian regime didn't confirm either killing.

• After the strike, Larijani's telegram channel posted a handwritten message dated March 17 about a commemoration for navy martyrs.

Behind the scenes: An Israeli official said Larijani was attacked in a Tehran safe house.

• The Israeli official also said Soleimani was struck alongside several top lieutenants in a makeshift headquarters.

Between the lines: One Israeli official said Larijani was "the most powerful figure … running Iran" while questions remain about the extent of Mojtaba Khamenei's injuries.

• "It is a continuation of the elimination of Ali Khamenei. Larijani was his main confidant. He was a very bad person who should be dead," the Israeli official said.

• A second Israeli official said Larijani's power had been waning since Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as the new supreme leader. Larijani had lobbied for other candidates.
• In recent days, Larijani had also been part of a faction pushing to start peace talks with the U.S., sources with knowledge said.
• The sources said the opposing camp, led by Mojtaba Khamenei supporters like parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmed Vahidi, pushed to continue the war.