U.S. President Donald Trump reacted strongly after Israel reported the killing of two high-ranking Iranian officials in recent airstrikes, calling Iran’s leadership an “evil group” and welcoming the development as a significant blow.

According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the strikes eliminated Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force. Both figures were considered central to Iran’s internal security and regional strategy.

Trump suggested that one of the individuals killed may have been among the most powerful figures in Iran and linked them to large-scale violence, stating they were responsible for widespread killings. He framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to dismantle leadership tied to repression and conflict.

Larijani had reportedly risen in influence after the earlier death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while Soleimani led the Basij, a force often associated with suppressing domestic protests.

The strikes mark a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has intensified following coordinated military actions involving the United States. In response, Iran launched new waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and neighboring Gulf states.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides signaling continued military action and no immediate signs of de-escalation.