In a thunderous escalation on day 19 of the 2026 US-Iran war, Tehran has unleashed “Operation Larijani Revenge” — a devastating retaliatory campaign named after slain national security chief Ali Larijani, killed in recent Israeli strikes on Tehran.

Iranian forces fired the much-feared “2-Ton Monster” — a colossal ballistic missile carrying a mᴀssive two-ton warhead, significantly heavier and more destructive than Iran’s agile “dancing missiles” known for their hypersonic maneuvers and evasive trajectories. The giant projectile, believed to be from the advanced Khorramshahr family, roared toward Israeli targets, demonstrating Tehran’s ability to deliver overwhelming explosive power deep into enemy territory.

Explosions rocked central Israel as the monster weapon and accompanying barrage overwhelmed air defenses. Iranian sources claim the strike caused major damage to military and infrastructure sites, sending a powerful message: the ᴀssᴀssination of Larijani will not go unanswered. This new phase follows Iran’s earlier successes, including daring jet strikes on the joint U.S.-Israeli naval superbase in Bahrain that left it in flames, repeated missile barrages on Al Udeid and Al Dhafra air bases, and naval clashes where Iranian attack craft engaged U.S. Navy SEALs.

U.S. Central Command reports nearly 200 American troops injured across the theater, with 13 confirmed deaths. President Donald Trump has admitted the U.S. was caught off guard by the scale and sophistication of Iran’s multi-front retaliation, which has hit positions across Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

Saudi Arabia managed to intercept 55 Iranian drones in a recent swarm attack, while the U.S. has rushed B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit stealth bombers into the region for potential deep strikes. Yet Iran continues to dictate tempo, тιԍнтening pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and keeping Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel.

The “Larijani Revenge” operation signals Iran’s determination to match leadership losses with battlefield impact. With a weapon heavier than its famed maneuvering missiles now in play, Tehran is proving it can absorb punishing blows and hit back harder, stretching U.S. and Israeli defenses to the limit.

The war grows more intense by the hour as both sides pour resources into this high-stakes confrontation that is reshaping the Middle East.