Ali Larijani mocks US leaders in viral tweet

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani ridiculed US claims that Iran’s leaders were hiding. He pointed to public appearances by top officials at a rally

The conflict in the Middle East escalated Friday, with Iran, the United States, and Israel trading missile and drone attacks. The war has already caused thousands of deaths and disrupted millions of lives.

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani ridiculed US claims that Iran’s leaders were hiding. He pointed to public appearances by top officials at a rally in Tehran supporting Palestine. Larijani wrote on X: “Our leaders are with the people. Yours? On Epstein’s island.”

European countries are now stepping in. France and Italy are reportedly negotiating with Iran to secure safe passage for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The route is vital for global oil shipments.

The US military suffered a setback when a refueling aircraft crashed over western Iraq. All six crew members died. The plane was part of a fleet deployed to support operations against Iran. Another refueling aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq claimed responsibility. The US said hostile fire was not involved.

US President Donald Trump warned of stronger strikes against Iran in the coming week. He also said the US could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Oil markets reacted sharply. Brent crude fell slightly to $99.50 per barrel but remains almost 40% higher than before the war began.

Violence struck Tehran as well. At least one person died in an explosion near a pro-government rally marking support for Palestine. Israeli authorities warned residents in the Villa and Moniriyeh neighborhoods to evacuate ahead of strikes targeting Iranian military sites.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had targeted the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with missiles and drones, causing “major damage.” The US Central Command denied any impact on the vessel.

The conflict also reached Turkiye, where NATO forces intercepted a ballistic missile from Iran. This was the third missile from Iran neutralized in Turkish airspace in just over a week.

The Israel Defense Forces said their air strikes hit more than 200 targets in western and central Iran. Targets included missile launchers, air defenses, and weapons production sites. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel. Minor injuries and infrastructure damage were reported.

The fighting has disrupted global energy supplies. The US issued a 30-day license allowing countries to buy stranded Russian oil. Officials hope this will ease short-term market disruption.