The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij Force, a paramilitary unit under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the Israeli statement, Soleimani was killed in an attack on Monday night. Israel described his death as a major blow to Iran’s command-and-control structure and vowed to continue using force against Iranian commanders. Iran has not yet issued any official response to the claim.

The report comes amid heightened regional tensions following failed nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington that took place from February 6 to 27 without reaching an agreement. On February 28, the United States launched “Operation Epic Fury” in Iran, while Israel simultaneously began its own campaign called “Operation Roaring Lion.”

In retaliation, Iran has been launching waves of drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. bases in Israel and six Gulf countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. These attacks are reportedly ongoing, according to Al Jazeera.