Iran's senior security chief Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli strike, marking the deadliest targeting of a high-ranking Iranian official since the war began. Larijani, who led Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was also the son of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a key figure in Iran’s political establishment.
His son, Alireza Bayat, and other deputies were also killed in the attack. Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, rejected de-escalation offers, declaring it ‘not the right time for peace’ until the U.S. and Israel are brought to their knees and pay compensation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, with Iran threatening attacks on tankers linked to Western nations. Oil prices surged 3% Tuesday, up nearly 45% since February 28, fueling inflation fears. The World Food Programme warned tens of millions could face starvation by June if the conflict continues.
Israel intensified strikes across Tehran and Hezbollah sites in Beirut, while Iranian missile attacks killed 12 in Israel. Air raid sirens blared in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. UAE ports, including Fujairah, faced repeated drone and missile assaults, halting oil exports and sparking fires at critical infrastructure.
