Tehran Promises Retaliation After Larijani's Assassination
Iran announced the death of Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and the commander of the Basij militia, Gholamreza Soleimani, as a result of a strike on Tehran. In response, Iran's military leadership is ramping up rhetoric and mobilization, promising a "decisive and painful response." This assassination has become one of the most significant blows to the country's political system in recent weeks.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on Larijani's death, noting that Israel aims to weaken the Iranian regime, hoping that the Iranian people can overthrow it. At the same time, the Israeli army announced its intention to pursue Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since his appointment.
Larijani was seen at rallies for Al-Quds Day last Friday. Photo Iranian President's Press Office/UPI/Shutterstock.
Larijani was a close associate of the assassinated Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, but could not take his place as he was not a cleric, as noted by the Times of Israel.
According to CNN, one Israeli military source stated that after Khamenei's death, Larijani effectively became the head of Iran, coordinating attacks against Israel and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.
Resignation of the Head of the U.S. Counterterrorism Center
Amid the escalating conflict in Iran, Joe Kent, the director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation. He explained that he could not support the current military campaign, arguing that Iran does not pose an immediate threat to the U.S.According to the BBC Russian Service, Joe Kent, who was appointed to his position last July, is a member of the team of former President Donald Trump. In his statement, he pointed to pressure from Israel as the reason for the initiation of military actions.
Kent emphasized that until June 2025, he recognized that wars in the Middle East are a trap that leads to losses among American soldiers and damage to the country's economy. He also added: "As a veteran who has participated in combat 11 times, and as the husband of a Silver Star recipient, I cannot support sending a new generation to die in a war that does not benefit America."
In response, Trump stated that "it's good that he left," as Kent claimed that Iran does not pose a threat, while "all countries understood what a threat Iran was."
Tensions in the Middle East: Israeli Shelling and Retaliatory Actions
Iran and its allies continue to carry out massive attacks on Israel. Direct hits have been recorded in Tel Aviv, resulting in casualties among the civilian population.In Jerusalem, debris from intercepted rockets fell in the Old City, including on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and near the Temple Mount.
High tension persists along the border with Lebanon, with shelling and shootouts involving armed groups being reported.
The Israeli air defense system continues to successfully intercept many rockets; however, it has not been able to completely prevent strikes.
Escalation of the Conflict: New Strikes by the U.S. and Israel
In the past 24 hours, there has been a new escalation of the conflict: the U.S. struck Iranian missile positions near the Strait of Hormuz, citing threats to shipping. Israel also continued its attacks on Iranian facilities.According to AFP, several explosions were heard in the capital of Iraq on Tuesday. A representative of local security forces reported an attack on the U.S. embassy using drones and rockets.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense also reported intercepting two Iranian ballistic missiles and 13 drones in its airspace, resulting in two people sustaining minor injuries.
