Iran is set to conduct the funeral of its security chief, Ali Larijani, on Wednesday, as the country renews threats of retaliation following his killing in an airstrike blamed on Israel.
Reports indicate that the ceremony will take place in Tehran, where Larijani will be buried alongside Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij paramilitary force. Iranian media outlets, including Fars and Tasnim, confirmed that the event is scheduled to begin at 1030 GMT. Authorities announced their deaths on Tuesday.
The killing of Larijani marks a major development in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He is regarded as one of the most senior figures of the Islamic Republic to be killed since hostilities intensified on February 28. The conflict escalated after attacks by Israel and the United States reportedly led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting Israel. Medical officials in Israel reported that two people lost their lives after missiles struck near Tel Aviv, causing significant damage to buildings. Some of the projectiles and drones were intercepted in Gulf countries, including those heading towards locations that host United States military facilities.
The crisis has also spread to Lebanon, where Israeli forces carried out fresh strikes, including in central Beirut. Local reports confirmed casualties, while footage showed smoke rising from affected areas. Lebanese authorities stated that at least six people were killed in one of the attacks.
Iran’s military leadership has issued strong warnings following the killing of Larijani. Army chief Amir Hatami said, “Iran’s response to the assassination of the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council will be decisive and regrettable.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also signalled further action. In a statement, it declared that the “pure blood of this great martyr… will be a source of honour, power and national awakening against the front of global arrogance.”
Beyond military exchanges, the conflict is affecting global economic stability. Iran has taken steps that disrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supply. Oil prices have remained high, hovering around $100 per barrel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of broader consequences, stating that the global impact of the war “has only just begun and will hit all”.
In response, the United States military intensified operations near the Strait. Central Command confirmed that it deployed heavy bombs against Iranian missile sites considered a threat to international shipping.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump criticised allied nations for not supporting American efforts in the region. However, he also insisted that the United States could act independently, writing: “WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”
International reactions have continued to emerge. Turkey condemned Israel’s actions, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan describing the killings of Iranian leaders as “illegal activities outside the normal laws of war”.
Israel, on its part, maintained a firm stance. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said of Iran’s new supreme leader, “We will track him down, find him, and neutralise him.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also repeated calls for the end of Iran’s current leadership structure, although both he and Trump have not explicitly stated that regime change is their official objective.
Further incidents have been reported across the region. An Iranian projectile landed near a military facility in the United Arab Emirates, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In Saudi Arabia, officials confirmed the interception of a ballistic missile close to Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts US personnel.
The situation remains volatile, with fears that continued retaliation from all sides could deepen the conflict and widen its impact across the Middle East and beyond.
