Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowed Sunday to avenge the assassination of national security chief Ali Larijani, launching a fresh wave of missiles at Israel after he and Basij paramilitary commander Gholamreza Soleimani were killed in Israeli strikes.
Funeral processions for Larijani and Soleimani were set for Wednesday in Tehran, marking the highest-profile losses since the US-Israeli campaign began February 28 with the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Army chief Amir Hatami promised a “decisive and regrettable” response.
The Guards said Larijani’s “pure blood… will be a source of honour, power and national awakening against the front of global arrogance.”
Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin vowed to target new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei: “We will track him down, find him, and neutralise him.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a photo of him on the phone, captioned: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders the elimination of senior figures in the Iranian regime.”
In Israel, two people were killed near Tel Aviv after Iranian missiles caused extensive damage.
Lebanon reported an Israeli strike in central Beirut early Wednesday, killing at least six, as attacks continued in the south.
An Iranian projectile struck near Australia’s Middle East military headquarters in the UAE, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile near Prince Sultan Air Base, home to US personnel.
Iran has sought to disrupt global energy markets by nearly closing the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices above $100 a barrel.
