IDF eliminates top Iranian commanders
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the elimination of the three highest-ranking Iranian military commanders in a coordinated overnight strike across multiple locations in Iran.
According to the official IDF Spokesperson, over 200 Israeli Air Force jets, operating with precision-guided intelligence from Israel’s Intelligence Directorate, struck more than 100 strategic targets. These included military headquarters, command centers, and fortified hideouts believed to be sheltering senior leaders of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Commanders eliminated in the strikes
The IDF confirmed that the following high-ranking Iranian military figures were killed in the operation:
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Mohammad Hossein Bagheri – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces
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Hossein Salami – Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
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Gholam Ali Rashid – Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (Iran’s emergency war command)
The operation marks the most significant direct hit to Iran’s military leadership in decades and is likely to provoke a forceful response from Tehran.
Iran appoints new acting Chief of Staff
In a swift response to the high-level casualties, Major General Habibollah Sayyari has been named acting Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. Sayyari, who previously served as Deputy Coordinator of the Army, is expected to take charge of Iran’s immediate military and national security affairs.
Precision and scale of the IDF operation
The airstrikes, conducted under the cover of night, reportedly involved squadrons of F-35I Adir stealth fighters, F-16s, and F-15s launched from multiple Israeli airbases.
Intelligence reports suggest the attacks were coordinated to avoid civilian casualties, focusing instead on military infrastructure and leadership compounds.
“This operation was a direct message to the Iranian regime: Israel will not tolerate threats to its security and sovereignty,” the IDF stated.