In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel’s Operation ‘Rising Lion’ launched early Friday has resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran early Friday, conducting strikes on nuclear facilities and military installations across the country. Multiple explosions were reported at Iran’s primary uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, according to Iranian media and eyewitness accounts. In anticipation of potential retaliation, Israel declared a state of emergency and mobilised its military forces.Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel’s “wicked and bloody” actions and warned of severe consequences for what he termed a crime against Iran.The strikes triggered immediate international response, with airlines clearing out of airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan.Here are the top officials from Iran killed in Israeli strikes:
- Among the most notable casualties was General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Salami, who had led the powerful military organization since his 2019 appointment by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed when the IRGC headquarters in Tehran was struck in the coordinated attack.
- The operation also claimed the life of Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s highest-ranking military official and chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces. He was second only to the Supreme Leader in the military hierarchy.
- Another key casualty was General Gholam Ali Rashid, who headed the Khatam al-Anbiya state headquarters.
- Adding to the list of casualties, Ali Shamkhani, a supreme leader adviser and former IRGC commander, was reportedly critically injured in the attack, according to Iran’s local news report.
- The Israeli offensive also targeted Iran’s nuclear program, killing six prominent nuclear scientists: Abdolhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Amirhossein Feqhi, Motalleblizadeh, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, and Fereydoun Abbasi.
