TEHRAN — Iran on Wednesday pledged a “decisive” response following the killing of senior security official Ali Larijani, as tensions in the Middle East conflict sharply escalated with fresh missile strikes and regional fallout.
Iranian forces launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel, with authorities reporting that two people were killed near Tel Aviv. Missiles and drones were also intercepted over parts of the Gulf, including near U.S. military installations.
The deaths of Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani — reportedly killed in Israeli strikes — mark some of the highest-profile losses for Iran since the outbreak of war following the February 28 strikes on Iran.
“Iran’s response… will be decisive and regrettable,” said army chief Amir Hatami. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards added that Larijani’s death would fuel further attacks, describing it as a catalyst for “national awakening.”
The conflict has also shaken global energy markets. Iran has moved to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz — a key corridor for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply — pushing crude prices to around $100 per barrel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the economic consequences “will hit all.”
In response, the United States said it deployed heavy munitions against Iranian missile sites threatening shipping routes. Donald Trump also criticized allies for not joining efforts to secure tanker routes, while insisting U.S. forces could act independently.
Israel, meanwhile, signaled continued operations against Iran’s leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated calls for the end of Iran’s ruling system, while military officials said they would pursue newly installed leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
The widening conflict has taken a heavy humanitarian toll across the region. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have killed hundreds and displaced more than one million people, with many forced into overcrowded shelters or sleeping in cars.
As both sides escalate military and political pressure, fears are growing of a prolonged regional war with global economic and security consequences.
