In a shocking turn of events, Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, have been confirmed killed in Israeli air strikes targeting Tehran. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the pair have 'joined Khamenei' in what he described as a victory against the 'Axis of Evil.' Larijani's death marks the most significant assassination of an Iranian official since the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader on February 28.

The strike has prompted Iran to retaliate aggressively, launching missiles and drones at targets in Israel and Arab nations hosting U.S. military bases. In the aftermath, oil prices have surged due to disruptions in production and export activities, particularly through the critical Strait of Hormuz. It is reported that Larijani, who was a recent appointment to the security council, had been closely aligned with the previous leadership and had led efforts in combating Israeli influence in the region.

Iran's response has resulted in further casualties, with the Iranian government claiming over 1,300 deaths, including a significant number of civilians, since the start of recent hostilities. This escalating conflict poses a severe risk of wider regional instability, as both Israeli and Iranian forces prepare for potential further confrontations.