Iran army chief Hatami vows 'decisive and regrettable' retaliation for Larijani killing — IRGC says missile salvo already launched 'in revenge'

Iranian army chief Amir Hatami issued a formal threat of retaliation on March 18, vowing a 'decisive and regrettable' response to the Israeli killing of national security chief Ali Larijani and other Iranian officials. The statement came as Iran confirmed Larijani's death through state media. The IRGC went further, stating its overnight missile salvo against central Israel — which killed two people in Ramat Gan — was fired specifically 'in revenge for the blood of martyr Ali Larijani and his companions.' This framing positions the Iran missile campaign as a direct revenge cycle rather than a routine military exchange. Hatami's statement is significant as he commands the regular Iranian army — separate from the IRGC — suggesting both military branches are now in lockstep on the revenge narrative. The deaths of Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani on Day 18 represented the most significant Israeli targeted kills since Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed on Day 1. Iranian state media described Larijani as a martyr who gave his life in service to the Islamic Republic.