June 13, 2025 — Iranian state media has confirmed that Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Tehran and Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Natanz enrichment center. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, with the loss of one of Iran’s top military leaders intensifying fears of a broader regional war.The strikes, which began early Friday, also hit suspected nuclear infrastructure and military sites across Iran, with explosions reported over Iraq and fires in Baghdad. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed targeting Iran’s nuclear program, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating the strikes were aimed at neutralizing an “existential threat.”
Iranian air defenses were active in Diyala Governorate, and MiG-29 jets were seen taking off from Tehran’s Mehrabad Airbase, signaling Iran’s military response.Posts on X reflect shock and division, with some praising Israel’s precision in targeting senior IRGC leadership, while others warn of Iran’s likely retaliation, given Salami’s warnings of a “more forceful and destructive” response to Israeli aggression. The Iraqi airspace remains closed, and the region is on high alert as the international community braces for Iran’s next move.This unprecedented strike on Iran’s military leadership, alongside its nuclear facilities, underscores Israel’s aggressive stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and raises critical questions about the potential for further escalation in the Middle East.
