Iran's security chief pays tribute to navy personnel killed on Dena

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, honored the memory of Iranian Navy personnel who perished on the Dena, in a handwritten letter posted on X ahead of a memorial ceremony.

به مناسبت مراسم تشییع سلحشوران نیروی دریایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران: یاد آنان همواره در قلب ملت ایران خواهد بود و این شهادت‌ها بنیان ارتش جمهوری اسلامی را برای سالها در ساختار نیروهای مسلح استوار می‌نماید. ازخداوند متعال علو درجات برای این شهدای عزیز خواستارم. pic.twitter.com/dvTdhyDYbY

— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 17, 2026

“In the name of the Almighty! The martyrdom of the heroes of the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army on the Dena is part of the self-sacrifice of our courageous people, demonstrated during this period of struggle against international oppressors… Their memory will forever remain in the hearts of the Iranian people, and these sacrifices will strengthen the foundations of the Islamic Republic Army for many years within the armed forces structure. I ask the Almighty to grant these dear martyrs the highest ranks in paradise,” Larijani wrote.

Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Larijani was killed in a nighttime Israeli military strike, marking a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations.

By Vafa Guliyeva