Al Jazeera News Updates Israeli attacks on Beirut, Iran to hold funeral for security officials
Mar 18, 2026
Abbas al-Akchi, Iran's foreign minister, speaks about Iran's political resilience following the killings of senior officials. He addresses regional tensions and responses to Israeli strikes. The segment also covers shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and proposed changes to oil transit rules.
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Iranian Retaliation Sparks Gulf Wide Strikes
- Iran launched waves of attacks after the killing of Ali Larinjani and Golan Reza Soleimani, escalating strikes across the Gulf and hitting Tel Aviv where at least two died.
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE reported intercepting drones and missiles, and strikes continued to affect regional airspace and shipping.
Funerals Follow Killing Of Two Senior Iranian Officials
- Two senior Iranian officials were killed: security chief Ali Laranjani and Basij commander Gollum Reza Soleimani, prompting funerals in Tehran.
- Ali Laranjani had been a long-standing political figure speaking out against the US and Israel, and Soleimani led the Internal Security Force.
Iran Says Leadership Loss Won't Break The System
- Abbas al-Akchi argued that removing individuals will not weaken Iran because the Islamic Republic has strong political, economic and social institutions.
- He stressed the system's solidity while acknowledging individuals' varying influence on politics.