Latest News : Iran has launched heavy missile and drone attacks against Israel in retaliation for the targeted killing of its top security official Ali Larijani. Tehran’s response came after Israel struck Larijani and another senior commander, which Iran says forced it to hit back to defend its sovereignty and avenge their deaths. The attacks have caused destruction in central Israeli cities, including damaged vehicles and at least two civilian deaths in Ramat Gan.
Larijani’s Death Sparks Retaliation
Iran confirmed that Ali Larijani, its Supreme National Security Council chief, was killed in an Israeli airstrike that also killed a senior Basij militia commander, Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani. Larijani was a key figure in Iran’s strategic planning and diplomatic efforts. His death marked the highest‑level assassination in the conflict so far and triggered Iran’s vow to retaliate.
Massive Barrage Hits Israel
The Iranian military said it fired a barrage of missiles and drones toward Israeli territory, calling the operation a direct response to what Tehran described as an “assassination of its leadership.” Iranian officials claimed the strikes targeted central Israel and other strategic points as part of a broader campaign. Some of the projectiles struck urban areas, destroying cars and killing civilians.
Casualties and Damage Reported
Israeli emergency services reported that missiles struck central urban zones, killing at least two people. The attacks destroyed vehicles and damaged infrastructure. Local authorities are still assessing the exact number of injuries.
Regional Escalation Continues
This retaliation comes amid a wider regional war that has scaled up in recent weeks. Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran has launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks—not only at Israel but also at U.S. bases and other Gulf states—while the U.S. and its allies have responded with their own strikes on Iranian military targets.
Iran’s Message to the World
Iran’s leadership framed the strikes as justified retaliation for the loss of Larijani and other officials. Iranian spokespeople said the campaign is part of a broader strategy to defend the nation and deter further targeted killings of its elites. Analysts say Tehran is signaling that attacks on its high‑ranking figures will prompt immediate, forceful responses.
Israel’s Defence and Response
Israeli air defenses were activated in several regions as Iran’s missiles and drones approached. Authorities have not yet disclosed detailed casualty figures beyond the confirmed deaths. Israeli commanders say they are monitoring the situation and will respond to threats as needed to protect civilians and strategic assets.
International Alarm Grows
World leaders and institutions have expressed concern over the expanding conflict. The escalation threatens to draw in additional actors and worsen instability in the Middle East. Calls for de‑escalation from neutral countries and diplomacy via international organisations have increased as the violence affects civilians and global security.
What Comes Next
With both sides showing no signs of backing down, the region remains on edge, and Iran’s retaliation shows how the loss of leaders can intensify military campaigns. Observers warn that unless diplomatic interventions succeed, these tit‑for‑tat strikes could continue and raise the risk of an even wider confrontation.
