Israel killed two senior Iranian security officials in a major blow to the Islamic Republic’s leadership as it faces its greatest test in decades, and Iran responded on Wednesday with renewed missile and drone attacks on its Gulf Arab neighbours and Israel.Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was considered one of the most powerful figures in the country since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war. Gen Gholam Reza Soleimani was the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij.Iran confirmed the killings of both men, who were key to Iran’s violent crackdown on protests in January that challenged the theocracy’s 47-year rule.Iran launches barrage of missiles after Israel kills 2 of its top officialsMarch 18, 2026 8:33 amDubai: Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel on Wednesday as sirens sounded across the central part of the country and loud explosions were heard in Tel Aviv. Israel’s medical service, Magen David Adom, said two people were killed in Ramat Gan, a district east of Tel Aviv. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Arab states also faced barrages of Iranian-fired missiles and drones on Wednesday that were intercepted by air defence systems. AP