Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Tuesday after Israeli media reported that Israel’s military had targeted senior Iranian official Ali Larijani in an overnight airstrike. According to a report by The Times of Israel, it remains unclear whether Larijani—currently serving as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council—was killed or injured in the strike. Iranian authorities have yet to officially respond to the claims, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the development.
The reported strike comes shortly after Larijani issued a message خطاب to the Muslim world, asserting that Iran remains “steadfast” in its confrontation with both the United States and Israel. He had earlier expressed disappointment over what he described as insufficient support from Muslim-majority nations during the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the conflict has visibly expanded beyond direct hostilities between Israel and Iran. Residents in Dubai and Doha woke up to the sounds of explosions early Tuesday as air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming missiles and drones. Authorities in United Arab Emirates temporarily shut down airspace around Dubai as a precautionary measure, citing “incoming missile and drone threats.” The suspension was brief, but it underscored the vulnerability of major international transit hubs amid the intensifying conflict.
In parallel, Qatar confirmed that its defence systems successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting its capital, though debris from a downed projectile reportedly caused a fire in an industrial area. Similarly, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting multiple drones over its oil-rich Eastern Province, highlighting the widening geographical scope of the crisis.
The situation in Iraq also remains volatile. The United States Embassy Baghdad was struck by shrapnel after air defences intercepted drones targeting the compound. Additional strikes were reported in Baghdad’s high-security al-Jadriya district, though responsibility remains unclear. Iran-linked militias have frequently targeted American installations in Iraq since the conflict began.
On the offensive front, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed launching a “wide-scale wave of strikes” across Tehran, alongside intensified operations against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Israel also reported fresh missile salvos from Iran targeting Tel Aviv and other areas, as well as cross-border attacks by Hezbollah in northern Israel.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict escalated. In Lebanon, the government reports over 850 deaths and the displacement of more than one million people—roughly 20 percent of the population—amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Israeli ground forces have reportedly advanced into southern Lebanon, raising fears of a broader invasion.
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