Social media accounts of Iran’s security chief posted a handwritten note after Israel claimed his death, as Tehran remains silent on his status.

TEHRAN: The official social media accounts of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani (pic) posted a handwritten note on Tuesday. This occurred shortly after Israel claimed it had killed him.

Tehran has not confirmed Larijani’s death. The social media post also did not address the Israeli claim.

The note was published on Larijani’s X and Telegram accounts. It did not include the date it was written.

It was a tribute to the 84 Iranian sailors killed earlier this month. Their frigate, the IRIS Dena, was sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean.

“The martyrdom of the brave men of the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic aboard the Dena is part of the sacrifices of the valiant nation,” Larijani’s note said. It stated this sacrifice emerged “at this juncture of struggle against international oppressors.”

The mariners were killed when the vessel was torpedoed on March 4 just off the coast of Sri Lanka. This incident extended the Middle East war to the Indian Ocean.

“Their memory will always remain in the heart of the Iranian nation,” the note added. It said the martyrdoms would strengthen the army’s foundations “for years within the structure of the armed forces.”

Iran has been at war with Israel and the United States since February 28. Strikes launched that day killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei’s killing was confirmed by Iran hours after Israel and the US announced it. His death triggered a conflict that has spread across the Middle East.

 The Sun Malaysia