Ali Larijani, one of Iran’s most influential politicians, was killed on Tuesday

Iran has confirmed the deaths of top security official Ali Larijani and Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, in US-Israeli strikes on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump earlier criticized NATO members and partner nations for not joining the war on Iran after a number of allies refused to heed his call to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. He accused them of doing nothing for the US “in time of need” despite enjoying American military aid and protection.

Meanwhile, global oil prices are trading above $100 per barrel, more than 40% higher than before the Iran war began, stoking fears of a deeper energy crisis.

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Here are the latest developments:

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country’s political system remains strong and stable despite the deaths of Ali Larijani and other senior officials.

• Two people in their 70s were killed during Iranian missile strikes on Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, on Wednesday morning, Israeli medical officials said.

• Joe Kent, the head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest over the war in Iran, claiming it was started due to pressure from a “powerful” Israeli lobby.

READ MORE: Oil shock update: Will the US-Israeli war on Iran make Russia richer?

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