Israeli strikes kill some of Iran’s most powerful men, including military and nuclear leaders - CNN

Major Shakeup in Iran: Key Military and Nuclear Leaders Eliminated in Israeli Strikes

In an unprecedented operation, reportedly dubbed "Rising Lion," Israel has carried out strikes that resulted in the deaths of some of Iran's most powerful figures. The targeted individuals include high-ranking military officers, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and its air force, and a former national security chief. This event is expected to have significant repercussions within Iran's military establishment and could seriously impact its ability to respond to perceived threats.

The deaths of these key figures represent a major blow to Iran's leadership. Here's a closer look at the individuals impacted:

Major General Hossein Salami: Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

As the head of the IRGC, Hossein Salami was one of the most influential figures in Iran, reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His role involved overseeing Iran's most potent military arm, which plays a crucial role in both domestic and international affairs.

• Born in 1960, Salami had led the IRGC since 2019.
• The IRGC, under his command, has been instrumental in suppressing dissent within Iran and projecting Iranian power across the region.
• The organization is believed to fund and support a vast network of militias, enabling attacks on US and other military personnel in the Middle East.
• The IRGC is also accused of providing support to Yemen's Houthis, enabling attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and missile and drone strikes against Israel.
• Salami was in command when Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in April and October of last year.
• Notably, Salami was the head of the IRGC when it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet in 2020, killing all 176 people on board.

Major General Mohammad Bagheri: Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces

Serving as the Chief of Staff since 2016, Mohammad Bagheri oversaw Iran's armed forces, estimated to have over 500,000 active personnel. His role was pivotal in implementing policy and coordinating activities within the military.

• The General Staff, headed by Bagheri, is the highest military body in Iran.
• Bagheri was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2019 for his alleged involvement in oppressing the Iranian people, exporting terrorism, and advancing destabilizing policies.
• Reports suggest that Bagheri met with Iranian troops fighting alongside government forces in Syria in 2017.
• In a significant event, Bagheri met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Tehran, during which he reportedly received a warning to take nuclear negotiations seriously to avoid potential conflict with Israel.

Ali Shamkhani: Former National Security Chief and Aide to Supreme Leader

Ali Shamkhani, a close confidant of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, played a critical role in Iranian diplomacy, including representing Tehran in talks that led to the restoration of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.

• Shamkhani served as the country's top national security official for a decade, starting in 2013.
• He previously held important positions within the IRGC and the Ministry of Defense.
• He was a key figure in the China-brokered talks that facilitated the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
• Despite his expertise and experience, he was abruptly replaced in mid-2023, possibly due to perceived ambition.
• Even after his replacement, he remained a close aide to the Supreme Leader, providing advice on nuclear talks with the US.

Amir Ali Hajizadeh: Commander of the IRGC’s Air Force

The loss of Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC's Air Force, represents a significant setback for Tehran. He was responsible for Iran's missile program.

• Hajizadeh headed the country’s missile program, which was involved in defending the country’s air space and carrying out attacks overseas.
• Hajizadeh was the mastermind of Iran’s previous attack on Israel in April 2024 as well as the missile attack on a US base in Iraq in 2020.
• The Israeli military said Hajizadeh was killed alongside other senior air force leaders in a strike as they gathered at an underground command center.

The elimination of these key figures marks a pivotal moment. The long-term consequences of these strikes remain to be seen, but it's clear that they have created a leadership vacuum within Iran's military and security apparatus. This event will undoubtedly reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and further complicate relations between Iran and its adversaries.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/13/middleeast/israel-iran-strikes-military-deaths-intl-hnk