Israel claims elimination of Iran's security chief Ali Ardashir Larijani

JERUSALEM: Israel claimed to have eliminated Iran's security chief, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Ardashir Larijani. The media is reporting that Larijani might be killed or severely injured in a missile attack.

The Israeli strikes early this morning are believed to have targeted Larijani. However, Iran has not yet made an official comment on the matter. Ali Larijani, who serves as the secretary of Iran's National Security Council, previously oversaw the country's nuclear program. Larijani is one of the most important figures in Iran's military leadership. If confirmed, he would be the highest-ranking Iranian official to be killed since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, as the war in the Middle East continues to rage, countries including France and the UK have rejected an invitation to join a naval alliance called by US President Donald Trump to protect the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would not be allowed to be part of a war over Iran. However, Starmer added that he would discuss with the alliance a practical plan to open the Strait of Hormuz.

France said they don’t want to escalate tensions in the region by using force. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said they did not start the war, so they would not cooperate. Australia also said it would not send warships to Hormuz. Trump asked allied countries such as the UK, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to prevent Iranian attacks and restore shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.