KARACHI: The conflict between Israel and Iran intensified as Israeli officials announced the targeted killing of top Iranian leaders. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Iran’s national security chief, Ali Larijani, and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani were “eliminated last night.”
The operation marks one of the highest-profile attacks since the war began on February 28, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Israel’s military stated the strike targeted “Iranian regime infrastructure” and reaffirmed plans for continued operations in Tehran and Hezbollah sites in Beirut.
Meanwhile, Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf countries. Strikes on the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed airspace, hit oil facilities, and killed one Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi. The attacks underscore Iran’s ability to carry out long-range strikes despite heavy US and Israeli bombardment.
The US-Israel conflict has left at least 2,000 dead and disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route. Rising oil prices and inflation concerns are affecting global markets. Israel’s military confirmed ongoing operations, while Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir highlighted “significant preventive achievements overnight.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a photo of him directing the elimination of senior Iranian figures. Israel Katz described the operation as removing leaders involved in Iran’s “axis of evil.” The targeted strikes come as Iran’s Basij forces, involved in suppressing protests, remain active.
Experts warn the escalation could widen into a regional conflict. Iran has targeted Israel with missiles overnight, showing it retains offensive capabilities. Israel continues precision strikes while monitoring threats from Hezbollah and Iranian proxies in the region.
US officials indicated President Donald Trump was aware of possible retaliatory strikes against Gulf allies. Israel remains a key partner in military planning, and its forces coordinate closely with US intelligence to target Iranian military infrastructure.
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As tensions rise, both Israel and Iran maintain their strategic objectives, with civilian areas and oil infrastructure increasingly at risk. Observers stress the need for careful diplomacy to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
