Breaking News: Assassination of IRGC Aerospace Commander Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh in Israeli Strikes
New Delhi, India , Friday, June 13, 2025
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has carried out targeted strikes that resulted in the assassination of Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The news was confirmed by Iran’s state-run IRNA News Agency earlier today, marking a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership amid ongoing regional conflicts.
The Strike and Its Context
The assassination took place as part of a broader Israeli military operation, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," which targeted "dozens of military targets, including nuclear facilities," according to Israeli military statements reported by the BBC. Hours after the initial strikes, an explosion was reported at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, located approximately 225 kilometers south of Tehran, raising international concerns about the safety of nuclear sites. Iranian state media confirmed that senior military figures, including Hajizadeh, were among the casualties.
Hajizadeh, who had led the IRGC Aerospace Force since 2009, was a polarizing figure due to his role in the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on January 8, 2020. The Boeing 737-800, carrying 176 passengers and crew, was mistakenly shot down by IRGC missiles amid heightened tensions following the assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani. Hajizadeh later accepted "full responsibility" for the incident, attributing it to a misjudgment by a missile operator who mistook the plane for a U.S. cruise missile.
Regional Reactions and Global Concerns
The assassination has heightened tensions in an already volatile region. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a stern warning, with Director General Rafael Grossi calling on all parties to "exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation," noting that attacks on nuclear facilities "risk grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, describing it as a "targeted military action to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival." The United States has denied involvement, though the strike coincides with failed nuclear deal talks and recent threats by Hajizadeh to retaliate against American and Israeli bases.
Hajizadeh’s Legacy and Iran’s Response
Hajizadeh’s tenure was marked by his leadership in Iran’s missile programs and his role in the April and October 2024 strikes against Israel, known as Operation True Promise and Operation True Promise 2. His public statements, including threats to assassinate U.S. military commanders and support for Iran’s regional allies, had made him a high-priority target for Israel. In July 2024, he expressed hope for another large-scale attack on Israel, further intensifying hostilities.
Iran has yet to issue an official response, but the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel and the high alert status of Iranian forces suggest that retaliation may be imminent. The IRGC, known for its asymmetric warfare capabilities, could target Israeli or U.S. interests in the region, potentially escalating the conflict further.
International Implications
The assassination and the targeting of nuclear sites have drawn global attention, with the United Nations and other bodies urging restraint. The 2021 International Civil Aviation Organization report on Flight 752 highlighted operational errors within the IRGC, a pattern that some analysts argue may have justified Israel’s preemptive strike. However, the attack on Natanz raises fears of radioactive contamination and a broader regional war.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely. This event marks a critical juncture in the long-standing rivalry between Iran and Israel, with potential ramifications for global security. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.
