WEB DESK: On Tuesday, Israel announced that it had targeted and killed Ali Larijani, a key figure in Iran’s national security apparatus. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Larijani’s elimination, though Iran has yet to verify this claim.
Earlier, the Israeli military reported the death of Gholamreza Soleimani, leader of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, in a strike on Tehran. These developments follow recent high-profile attacks, including the alleged killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, about three weeks ago. The region remains tense as fresh hostilities erupt from Tehran to Baghdad.
In the wake of these events, speculation surrounds the health and status of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah, with US President Donald Trump indicating uncertainty about his condition.The ongoing conflict has caused extensive casualties and displacement, mainly in Lebanon and Iran, while also impacting global oil markets. Oil prices surged over five percent after Iran’s aggressive actions against shipping lanes, including missile and drone attacks, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
Targeted Strikes and Regional Tensions
The Israeli military claimed responsibility for a precise strike in Tehran that killed Soleimani, a senior commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ Basij unit, known for suppressing protests and maintaining internal order. Reports also suggest Iran’s national security chief, Larijani, was targeted, though no official confirmation has been provided.Israeli officials highlighted “preventive achievements” overnight, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly authorized the elimination of senior Iranian figures, emphasizing Israel’s active stance.
Escalation of Violence in the Gulf and Iraq
Iran’s retaliatory strikes continued across the Gulf region. Early Tuesday saw a drone and missile attack on the US embassy in Baghdad, resulting in fires and security interventions. An attack on a residence linked to Iranian advisors also left four dead.In Qatar, multiple explosions and missile interceptions occurred, with falling shrapnel killing a Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, a tanker off Oman was hit by an unknown projectile, sustaining minor damage but no injuries.
US Military and Regional Impact
Since the conflict’s escalation, approximately 200 US service members across seven countries have been wounded, mostly with minor injuries. Iraq experienced a deadly house bombing, killing four people, including alleged Iranian advisors, while a hotel in Baghdad’s Green Zone was struck by a drone, causing a fire but no casualties.The region witnesses relentless attacks on oil infrastructure, including drone strikes on oil fields in Iraq and fires at UAE oil facilities. Iran’s military claims to have intercepted over 350 missiles and drones launched by regional adversaries.
Diplomatic and Political Responses
President Trump demanded that allies assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments. However, European nations and NATO members expressed reluctance to participate in military efforts to reopen the strait, with some emphasizing the importance of avoiding broader escalation.
Meanwhile, Israel has launched extensive strikes in Iran’s capital and targeted Hezbollah positions in Beirut, sparking calls from Lebanon for international support against Iran-backed groups. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu extended holiday wishes to Iran, expressing hope for a new beginning.
Regional Developments and International Reactions
Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli border towns and a northern city, while Lebanon faces over a million displaced residents amid the ongoing conflict. Israeli forces reported fragments from missile intercepts at Jerusalem’s holy sites.German officials criticized Israel’s ground operations in Lebanon, warning that such actions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the arrest of ten suspected foreign spies, linked to intelligence gathering and terrorist groups.
China pledged humanitarian aid to Iran and other affected Middle Eastern nations, aiming to ease the suffering caused by the ongoing violence.
