Tensions in the Middle East have reached a new level following the assassination of Ali Larijani, the head of Iran’s National Security Council, in a joint Israeli-US strike, with Tehran vowing harsh revenge.
Iranian Army Chief of Staff Amir Hatami said in a statement that the response to the killing would be “strong and significant” and would cause deep remorse for the attackers. He referred to Larijani as an important figure in the country’s policymaking, saying that Iran would not hesitate to respond even if the damage was irreparable.
On the same day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also signaled retaliation, saying it had launched missile strikes on targets in central Israel in response to Larijani’s assassination, part of its initial retaliatory operation.
Ali Larijani, who had long played an influential role in Iran’s domestic and regional politics , is believed by analysts to have further strained Iran-Western relations. His death and the immediate military response have further strained relations between the two countries.