Tehran: Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed Wednesday that the 'criminal murderers' behind the killing of top security official Ali Larijani will 'soon have to pay.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Khamenei expressed his deep sorrow over the killing of Larijani, who was the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, alongside his son and several colleagues. Khamenei took to the US social media company X to describe Larijani as 'a man of knowledge, foresight and wisdom,' noting his nearly five decades of service in various fields, which made him 'an eminent figure.'

Khamenei emphasized that Larijani's assassination highlights his significance and the hostility of Islam's adversaries towards him. He warned that 'shedding the blood of such people. will only make it stronger,' and asserted that 'every drop of blood has its due retribution,' promising that the 'criminal murderers of these martyrs will soon have to pay.'

Iranian authorities reported that Larijani was killed early Tuesday in a US-Israeli strike that also resulted in the deaths of his son Morteza, aide Alireza Bayat, several council staff members, and bodyguards. The US and Israel have maintained a joint offensive against Iran since February 28, which has claimed around 1,300 lives, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These retaliatory actions have caused casualties and damage to infrastructure, while also disrupting global markets and aviation.