IRGC Commander Hossein Salami was killed in massive Israeli airstrikes that targeted Iran’s military and nuclear sites as regional tensions reach a boiling point.
Key Takeaways
- Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Hossein Salami was killed during Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” offensive
- Dozens of Israeli aircraft conducted coordinated strikes against Iranian military targets and nuclear facilities
- Multiple Iranian nuclear scientists and military officials were also reportedly killed in the assault
- The Israeli Defense Minister declared a “special state of emergency,” while the U.S. denies involvement in the operation
- President Trump emphasized a commitment to diplomatic resolution while protecting American interests in the region
Israeli Forces Launch Devastating Strike Against Iran
In a major escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces have conducted extensive airstrikes across Iran, reportedly killing several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Major General Hossein Salami. The operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” involved dozens of Israeli aircraft targeting military installations and nuclear facilities throughout Iran. The Jerusalem Post reported that the initial wave struck early Friday morning, marking one of the most significant direct military actions between the two adversaries in recent history.
“Dozens of Israeli aircraft participated in an initial wave of strikes on dozens of military targets and Iranian nuclear sites early on Friday morning,” reported Yonah Jeremy Bob and Jerusalem Post Staff.
Top Iranian Leadership Decimated
Iranian state media outlets Tasnim and Mehr news agencies have confirmed the death of Major General Hossein Salami, referring to him as “martyred” in the Israeli attacks. The strike reportedly targeted the IRGC headquarters specifically. Beyond Salami, several other prominent Iranian figures were eliminated in the coordinated assault. IRGC Major General Gholam Ali Rashid was also reported killed, along with nuclear scientist Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi and his family. The strikes also claimed the lives of academic figures, including Dr. Abdulhamid Minouchehr and Professor Ahmadreza Zolfaghari from Shahid Beheshti University.
“Iranian state media confirmed the killing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami in the opening strike of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, early Friday morning,” reported Yonah Jeremy Bob and Jerusalem Post Staff.
Israel’s Preemptive Defensive Action
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared “a special state of emergency” in Israel following the strikes, characterizing the operation as a necessary preemptive action. Israeli Defense Forces stated explicitly that the strikes were intended to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The targeted facilities included both military installations and sites connected to Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while Israel has consistently viewed Tehran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat requiring decisive action.
U.S. Position and Regional Implications
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear that America was not directly involved in the Israeli operation, though acknowledged being informed of Israel’s intentions. “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Secretary added, “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Trump has consistently emphasized finding diplomatic solutions to the Iran nuclear issue while making it clear that American interests in the region will be protected. Reports indicate the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was preparing for evacuation of nonessential personnel due to heightened security threats, demonstrating the ripple effects of this major escalation. How and when Iran will respond to this significant blow to its military leadership remains uncertain, though regional tensions have never been higher.
