DUBAI/JERUSALEM — Iran has rejected international efforts to de-escalate tensions after Israel killed senior security official Ali Larijani, marking one of the most significant assassinations since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed Larijani’s death on Tuesday, along with his son and deputy, Alireza Bayat, following an Israeli strike late Monday. Larijani, who served as the council’s secretary, was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Iran’s political and security establishment and a close confidant of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.
The killings come more than three weeks into a rapidly expanding regional conflict that began on February 28 and has shown little sign of slowing.
According to a senior Iranian official, Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected proposals relayed through intermediaries seeking a ceasefire or reduced tensions with the United States. Speaking at his first foreign policy meeting since assuming leadership, he reportedly said it was not “the right time for peace” until the United States and Israel are “brought to their knees, accept defeat, and pay compensation.”
The ongoing conflict has also intensified pressure on global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, remains largely closed as Iran threatens to target vessels linked to the United States and Israel. Oil prices have surged, raising concerns over inflation and supply disruptions worldwide.
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized allied nations for their reluctance to provide military support aimed at securing the strait. However, many members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have declined involvement, citing risks to their populations. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent cascading crises in food, energy, and fertilizer supply chains.
Meanwhile, questions over the legal basis of U.S. involvement have intensified following the resignation of Joseph Kent, who stated in his letter that Iran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States.
On the battlefield, Israel has continued targeted operations against Iran’s leadership. In addition to Larijani, Israeli forces reportedly killed Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij militia, a key component of Iran’s internal security apparatus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled further operations in a video statement, saying, “Today I erased two names on the punch card,” while suggesting more targets remain.
Iran has responded with sustained missile attacks on Israel, including strikes on the densely populated commercial hub of Tel Aviv. Air raid sirens were reported across the city and surrounding areas overnight Tuesday. In Ramat Gan, two civilians—a man and a woman—were killed after sustaining severe shrapnel injuries, bringing Israel’s death toll from the conflict to at least 14.
Iranian state media said the latest strikes involved missiles equipped with cluster munitions, which disperse multiple explosives over a wide area and are more difficult to intercept. The use of such weapons underscores Iran’s continued ability to launch long-range attacks despite ongoing bombardment by U.S. and Israeli forces.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar earlier claimed that Israel had “in effect already won the war,” though he did not provide a timeline for its conclusion, stating only that operations would continue until strategic objectives are achieved.
The conflict has also expanded beyond Iran and Israel. Lebanon has recorded more than 900 deaths since Israeli attacks began on March 2, according to its Health Ministry, while U.S.-based monitoring group HRANA reported over 3,000 fatalities in Iran.
Iran has also launched widespread attacks on Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone strikes targeting diplomatic missions, military installations, and critical infrastructure, including oil facilities, ports, airports, and residential areas.
With oil prices up by roughly 45% since the war began, international organizations warn of worsening global economic fallout. The World Food Programme has cautioned that tens of millions of people could face acute hunger if the conflict continues in the coming months.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
