Tehran Signals Swift Response to High-Profile Assassination
Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed on Wednesday that those responsible for killing senior security official Ali Larijani will “soon have to pay.” He strongly condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators “criminal murderers,” and promised firm retaliation.
Khamenei said he received the news of Larijani’s death with “deep sorrow.” He praised Larijani as a figure of “knowledge, foresight and wisdom,” highlighting his nearly five decades of service across political, military, and security institutions. Furthermore, he described the assassination as proof of the hostility Iran’s enemies hold toward influential figures in the country.
“Every drop of blood has its due retribution,” Khamenei warned, adding that such acts would only strengthen Iran rather than weaken it. Consequently, his remarks signaled a hardening stance amid escalating conflict.
Escalation Intensifies as Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities confirmed that Larijani was killed early Tuesday in a joint US-Israeli strike. The attack also killed his son Morteza, aide Alireza Bayat, several council staff members, and security personnel. Notably, Larijani was among the highest-ranking officials killed since the war began last month.
In response, Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami warned that Tehran’s retaliation would be “decisive and regrettable.” Shortly afterward, the Revolutionary Guard announced missile strikes targeting central Israel, describing them as revenge for Larijani’s killing.
Since February 28, the United States and Israel have conducted a sustained military campaign in Iran, reportedly killing around 1,300 people. However, Iran has continued to retaliate with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and regional locations hosting US forces.
As a result, the conflict has disrupted global markets, aviation routes, and regional stability, raising fears of further escalation.
