Article:
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has paid tribute to the country’s security chief, Dr. Ali Larijani, and the head of the Basij forces, Major General Gholam Reza Suleimani, who were martyred in an Israeli airstrike. In messages posted on the social media site X, Khamenei expressed his deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the two leaders.
In his messages, Khamenei described Dr. Larijani as a brilliant, loyal, and distinguished figure who had been a part of Iran’s political and government leadership for five decades. He said that the killing of such a personality demonstrates his importance and the hatred of Islam’s enemies towards him.
Khamenei also wrote that the bloodshed of the Islamic system’s opponents only strengthens it and that every drop of blood has a price, which will be paid by the perpetrators of the martyrdom. He added that the killing of Major General Suleimani is a reminder of the importance of the Basij forces and the fear of their enemies.
In a joint statement, the Arab Emirates condemned the Israeli airstrikes as a violation of sovereignty and international law. The statement also emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the region and ensuring the security of oil exports.
In other developments, a plane carrying 101 passengers, including pets, landed safely at Athens International Airport in Greece. Youssef Al Otaiba, the UAE’s ambassador to the US, said that the country’s cooperation with the US will continue despite the recent tensions.
A joint statement by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan condemned the Iranian attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical waterway for global energy supplies. The statement also expressed the countries’ commitment to maintaining stability in the region and ensuring the security of oil exports.
In a separate development, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the Israeli army’s communication system had suffered significant security breaches, which led to a crisis in their war strategy. The IRGC also accused the US and Israel of launching a surprise attack on Iranian oil refineries, which caused limited damage.
In Pakistan, the government and opposition parties have expressed their concern over the escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Lieutenant General (Retired) Abdul Qayyum said that Pakistan is in a unique position to play a role in de-escalating the conflict, given the lack of leadership in the Muslim world.
In Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga met with US President Joe Biden, who said that the US did not want to give the Japanese government advance notice of the airstrikes to avoid sending a “signal” to the Iranian government. Suga also expressed his concerns over the recent developments and the impact on global energy supplies.
In other news, heavy rain lashed several areas of Karachi, including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Liyari, and Clifton. The city’s residents were advised to take necessary precautions and stay indoors.
In a statement, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said that one of its operational units, Mina Abdullah Refinery, was damaged in an Iranian drone attack, causing limited damage. The KPC also expressed its commitment to maintaining the stability of the global oil market.
In a related development, the British and European gas prices have surged to a record high due to the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The Iranian media also reported that the country’s oil exports have been affected by the recent developments, and the country’s economy is facing a severe crisis.
In a separate development, the Bangladesh Astronomy and Meteorological Society (BAMS) announced that the Eid al-Fitr celebrations will take place on March 21. The society also expressed its concern over the recent developments and the impact on the global economy.
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran have caused widespread concern and instability in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging the two countries to de-escalate the conflict and engage in dialogue.
