Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Jun 13: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday appointed new military chiefs just hours after Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed several top Iranian commanders, including the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) head Hossein Salami.
State media reported that the Israeli strikes, which rocked Tehran and multiple cities early Friday, also claimed the lives of Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri and General Gholam-Ali Rashid, who led the Khatam al-Anbiya Central headquarters.
In swift replacements, Khamenei appointed Abdolrahim Mousavi as the new Chief of Staff, Mohammad Pakpour as the IRGC’s new Commander, and Ali Shadmani to lead Khatam al-Anbiya—highlighting a rapid reshuffle at the helm of Iran’s defence architecture.
Before these appointments, Mousavi headed Iran’s regular army, Pakpour led the IRGC’s ground forces, and Shadmani was serving as deputy coordinator.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency added that six Iranian nuclear scientists were also killed in the strikes, including prominent figures Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi. Civilian casualties have also been reported, although details remain unclear.
Khamenei strongly condemned the Israeli operation, calling it a “crime against Iran,” and warned that Israel would face “severe punishment.”
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF), confirming the airstrikes, said over 200 fighter jets were used to target Iranian military infrastructure and personnel. A statement posted on X read, “The world is a better place without these three mass murderers,” referring to the slain Iranian commanders.
The attack has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council had earlier warned that any aggression would trigger retaliation, including possible strikes on Israeli nuclear sites.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, was necessary to eliminate the Iranian threat to Israel’s survival. Defence Minister Israel Katz called it a “preemptive strike” and declared a special emergency across Israel.
The situation remains tense as both nations brace for possible further escalations.