Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Wednesday that the nation is mourning the loss of several senior officials who were killed in US-Israeli attacks. In a post on the US-based social media platform X, he expressed grief over the deaths of Esmail Khatib, the intelligence minister; Ali Larijani, the head of the Supreme National Security Council; and Aziz Nasirzadeh, the defense minister, along with members of their families and aides. The president conveyed his belief that the mission and vision of these leaders would continue with greater resolve.

According to Anadolu Agency, regional tensions have intensified following the joint offensive by Israel and the United States on Iran since February 28. Tehran has reported approximately 1,300 casualties, including the death of the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and several neighboring countries, including Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations housing US military assets. These retaliatory actions have resulted in casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.