In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, two of Iran’s highest-ranking military officials — General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Major General Hossein Salami, Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — were reportedly killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike early Friday morning.
According to regional intelligence sources and local Iranian media, the strike was part of Israel’s newly launched military operation, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion,” which aims to neutralize what Israel describes as “critical military threats” emanating from Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile capabilities.
While official confirmation from Iranian authorities remains pending, sources claim the senior commanders were attending a high-level strategic meeting at a secure facility near Tehran when the airstrike occurred. Explosions were reportedly heard across the capital, and video footage on social media shows heavy smoke rising from key government and military installations.
This targeted strike marks one of the most aggressive moves by Israel in recent years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a press briefing, “Israel will not wait for threats to become irreversible. Today, we have sent a clear message to the leadership in Tehran.”
The Iranian government has yet to issue a formal statement on the alleged deaths, but emergency meetings have been convened in the capital, and the country has reportedly placed its missile forces on high alert. State broadcaster IRIB aired footage of military deployments in several provinces, calling for "resistance and retaliation."
International observers fear the attack could trigger a full-scale regional conflict. The United Nations and key global powers have called for restraint amid mounting fears of an uncontrolled spiral of violence between Iran and Israel, potentially dragging in neighboring states and non-state actors like Hezbollah.
If confirmed, the deaths of Bagheri and Salami would be a severe blow to Iran’s military command and operational readiness, given their pivotal roles in shaping Iran’s defense posture and strategic alliances across the region.
