Iran Power Figure Ali Larijani Targeted: Israel’s Claim Triggers Shockwaves

Iran has not yet commented on reports of an alleged attack on Ali Larijani. The reports surfaced shortly after the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a message to the Muslim world, stating that Tehran remains “firm” in its struggle against the United States and Israel. Earlier, Larijani had expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of support from Muslim-majority countries during the attacks on Iran.

Israeli media has claimed that the country’s military targeted Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian security official, in an overnight airstrike. However, according to a report by The Times of Israel, it remains unclear whether Larijani — the Secretary of Supreme National Security Council — was killed or injured in the attack.

So far, Iran has not issued any official response regarding the reported strike. The reports surfaced shortly after Larijani released a message addressed to the Muslim world, stating that Tehran remains “steadfast” in its confrontation with the United States and Israel. Earlier, Larijani had expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of support from Muslim-majority countries following the attacks on Iran.

Explosions Reported in Dubai and Doha

Meanwhile, residents in Dubai and Doha were awakened early Tuesday by the sound of explosions as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles and drones allegedly launched from Iran. The developments indicate that the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify, with no signs of de-escalation.

In Dubai, one of the world’s major international transit hubs, authorities briefly closed the airspace as defence forces responded to incoming missile and drone threats around the city. At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces launched what it described as “large-scale strikes” on Iran’s capital Tehran, while also escalating attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.

Israel also reported two missile attacks from Iran targeting Tel Aviv and other areas before dawn, while Hezbollah reportedly launched rockets toward northern Israel.

UAE Briefly Closes Airspace Amid Iranian Threats

The United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace early Tuesday as its military said it was responding to the threat of missile and drone attacks from Iran. The restrictions were lifted shortly afterward, though explosions were heard as defence forces intercepted incoming projectiles.

The sudden move highlighted the delicate balance Emirati authorities must maintain while keeping long-haul aviation operations running, including major carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways, despite the ongoing security threats.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence reported intercepting around a dozen drones over the kingdom’s vast eastern province, home to critical oil infrastructure.

In Qatar, explosions were heard in the capital Doha early in the day as defence systems worked to counter incoming attacks. Qatar’s Defence Ministry later confirmed that it had successfully intercepted a missile targeting the city, although debris from a downed missile reportedly sparked a fire in an industrial area.