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The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement on the 17th stating that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has been killed in an Israeli military strike. However, Iranian media on the 17th reported that Larijani wrote a handwritten condolence letter to fallen Iranian Navy soldiers. Additionally, on the 16th, Iranian media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaee as a military advisor. U.S. President Donald Trump complained on the 16th that some countries are “not eager” to assist the U.S. in ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Larijani gave an exclusive interview to Oman TV.

Did Larijani die in an “assassination”?

The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement on the 17th confirming that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has died.

The statement said that on March 16th, the Air Force carried out a precise strike based on intelligence and integrated unique operational capabilities to target Larijani. It described Larijani as Iran’s “de facto leader,” and said the strike was carried out while he was near Tehran.

The statement also noted that Larijani had long been considered one of the most senior members of Iran’s leadership and a close associate of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. After Khamenei’s death, Larijani “led operations against Israel and regional countries.”

Furthermore, the Prime Minister’s Office in Israel posted on social media on the 17th that Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the “elimination” of senior Iranian officials. The post included a photo of him on a call with military personnel.

Image posted on the Israeli Prime Minister’s social media account.

However, multiple Iranian media outlets, including Mehr News Agency, reported on the 17th that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, wrote a handwritten condolence letter to fallen Iranian Navy soldiers. The letter stated that the heroic deeds of the fallen soldier on the destroyer Dena will be forever engraved in the hearts of the Iranian people and will serve as a foundation for Iran’s military development for many years to come.

Earlier this month, the destroyer Dena was sunk by a U.S. submarine with torpedoes in waters south of Sri Lanka, resulting in over 80 deaths.

Iran’s Supreme Leader makes military appointments

According to Iranian media on the 16th, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Mohsen Rezaee, former commander of the IRGC, as a military advisor.

Rezaee, born September 1954 in Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran, is currently 71 years old. He served as commander of the IRGC from 1981 to 1997 for 16 years and earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Tehran University in 2001.

Rezaee has run for president multiple times. From 2021 to 2023, he served as Vice President overseeing economic affairs.

After the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military strike against Iran on February 28, Rezaee has repeatedly spoken out strongly. Recently, he stated that Iran would not agree to a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli invasion until “clear results” are achieved. He also said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and no U.S. warships are allowed into the Persian Gulf.

Iran launches “Real Commitment-4” Operation Wave 57

The IRGC Public Relations Department announced that Operation Wave 57 of “Real Commitment-4” targeted multiple sites inside Israel and the U.S. Udeid Air Base in Qatar, using various missiles and drones including “Imad,” “Qader,” and “Habar.”

Iran reports arrest of 10 unidentified foreign spies

On the 17th, Iranian media reported that the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the recent arrest of 10 unidentified foreign spies.

The report cited a statement from the IRGC Quds Force Intelligence Unit, saying four of the spies were caught collecting intelligence on sensitive sites and economic infrastructure.

It also said that the group was led by a core team of three, supported financially, and was attempting to carry out field operations when they were arrested.

Strikes and fires in the Strait of Hormuz

Trump calls for few supporters to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters before an event at the White House on the 16th that he has asked European countries, Japan, South Korea, and others to help ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but some countries are “not eager.” He claimed that some of these nations have long been “protected and aided” by the U.S., and complained that “while we will protect them, when we are in trouble and need help, they will never come to our aid.”

Trump also said it is unclear whether Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has sunk over 100 Iranian naval vessels, including all 30 of Iran’s mine-laying ships.

On the evening of the 15th, Trump stated that the U.S. is discussing with other countries how to jointly secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite claiming to have received “some positive responses,” no country has yet committed to deploying warships to the area, according to U.S. media on the 16th.

U.S. “Ford” aircraft carrier fire lasts over 30 hours

The New York Times reported on the 16th that a fire on the U.S. “Ford” aircraft carrier that broke out on the 12th lasted over 30 hours. More than 600 personnel lost their beds and had to sleep on tables or the floor.

The fire started in a dryer in the main laundry area and spread rapidly. It took over 30 hours for the crew to extinguish it. The fire did not damage the ship’s propulsion system, and the vessel remains fully operational. However, two personnel received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, and dozens reported inhaling smoke from the fire.