Iran has confirmed that Ali Larijani, its powerful national security chief, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike. His death comes less than three weeks after the killing of Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes that triggered the ongoing conflict.

Larijani was a close aide to Khamenei. He played a key role in shaping Iran’s war strategy and leading its response during the conflict.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council paid tribute to him. It said, “After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service.”

Israel Targets Iran’s New Leadership

After Larijani’s death, Israel has shifted its focus to Iran’s new leadership. Mojtaba Khamenei has taken charge after his father’s death.

Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin issued a strong warning. “We don’t know about Mojtaba Khamenei, we don’t hear him, we don’t see him, but I can tell you one thing: we will track him down, find him, and neutralise him,” he said.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Larijani as “the boss of the Revolutionary Guards, which is the gang of gangsters that actually runs Iran”.

Rising Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

The strike has further raised tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments. Iran has warned that shipping will not return to normal conditions seen before the war. This has increased concerns about global energy supplies.

At the same time, Donald Trump criticised allied countries. He said they have refused to help escort oil tankers through the blocked waterway.

Conflict Spreads Across Region

The conflict is now expanding across the region. Reports confirm strikes in the Gulf, Lebanon, and Iraq. In Lebanon, Israeli attacks and ground operations have displaced more than one million people. Hundreds have also been killed.