TEHRAN: Iran carried out missile attacks on Tel Aviv, saying the strikes were in direct response to the killing of senior official Ali Larijani, according to Iranian state media on Wednesday.
The report stated that some of the missiles were equipped with cluster munitions, which release multiple smaller explosives over a wide area. Israeli authorities have previously accused Iran of using such weapons, noting their difficulty to intercept. The overnight attack resulted in two fatalities, raising the total death toll in Israel since the conflict began to at least 14.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials reported that a projectile landed near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, though no casualties or structural damage were recorded. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, urged restraint from all sides to prevent any potential nuclear-related incident.
The ongoing conflict, involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, has intensified over recent weeks. Washington and Tel Aviv have said their military campaign aims to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions. Earlier in the fighting, Iran confirmed the deaths of several high-ranking figures, including its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian authorities also stated that Larijani’s son and his deputy, Alireza Bayat, were killed in a separate Israeli strike. The Supreme National Security Council, which Larijani headed, described the killings as part of a broader campaign targeting the country’s leadership.
Iran’s newly appointed leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly rejected proposals aimed at de-escalation. According to officials, he signaled that negotiations would not be considered until Iran’s adversaries concede defeat and agree to compensation.
Beyond Israel, Iranian strikes have impacted several regional countries, including Iraq and Gulf states, particularly those hosting US military bases. A US-based monitoring group reported thousands of casualties in Iran since the conflict escalated in late February.
On the diplomatic front, Donald Trump criticized allied nations for their reluctance to support US-led efforts to secure maritime routes in the region, especially around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. NATO partners, along with countries like Japan and Australia, have largely avoided direct involvement.
The European Union has also emphasized diplomacy, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warning of global consequences, including disruptions to food, energy, and fertilizer supplies if the conflict continues.
In response to threats against shipping lanes, US forces conducted strikes on Iranian coastal installations near the Strait of Hormuz, citing risks posed by anti-ship missile systems.
The widening conflict is already affecting global markets. Oil prices have surged significantly, while the World Food Programme warned that prolonged fighting could push millions toward severe hunger. Airlines have also reported rising operational costs and disruptions, with many flights across the Middle East being delayed, rerouted, or canceled due to security concerns.
