Israel says it has eliminated some of Iran’s most senior security officials in a series of overnight strikes, but Tehran has yet to confirm the claims.
Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces targeted and killed Ali Larijani, described as a key security figure, along with Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani.
The Israeli military says Soleimani led the paramilitary force for six years.
Katz signalled more strikes could follow, saying Israel intends to continue pursuing Iran’s leadership. He also suggested the pace of senior-level losses inside Iran is accelerating.
Iran silent as pressure builds
Iranian officials have not confirmed the deaths. State media says an update is expected, leaving uncertainty over the fate of the targeted figures.
Conflict spills across region
The fallout is spreading. Drones and rockets have struck the US embassy in Baghdad for a second time since the conflict began. Air travel has also been disrupted, with routes across the Middle East affected after missile and drone threats. Some international flights remain suspended.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has reopened its airspace after a temporary shutdown.
Global concern rises
Donald Trump is urging allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
At the same time, leaders from the UK, Canada, France, Germany and Italy have warned that any large-scale Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon could trigger severe humanitarian consequences.
The situation remains volatile, with fears the conflict could widen further.
