Israel Strikes Iran, Top Official Killed

Israel’s military announced an overnight drone strike that eliminated Ali Larijani, a senior security chief who has effectively steered Iran’s foreign and defence policy for years. The hit, described by Israeli officials as a decisive blow to Tehran’s power structure, follows weeks of covert skirmishes and raises the spectre of a broader confrontation. In Washington, President Trump dismissed any hesitation, saying he is ready to deploy ground forces if needed, signalling a hard‑line US stance. The combined actions tighten the noose around Iran’s leadership, threaten to destabilise the already volatile Middle East, and could trigger rapid shifts in global oil markets.

The killing of Larijani and Trump’s troop threat could spark direct clashes, prompting airlines, investors and supply chains to brace for heightened risk. Energy traders may see price spikes, while diplomatic channels scramble to prevent a wider war.

Removing Larijani strikes at the heart of Iran’s strategic command, potentially creating a power vacuum and prompting hardliners to retaliate. Coupled with US willingness to commit troops, the region faces a rapid escalation that could disrupt diplomatic talks, threaten civilian safety and unsettle global energy supplies in the coming weeks.