Senior Iranian military leaders killed in Israeli airstrike; Tehran vows retaliation

The attack reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, including women, children, and prominent military figures

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Iran has confirmed the deaths of several high-ranking military officials, including senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following an airstrike attributed to Israel in the early hours of Friday, June 12.

According to a statement issued by the Communications Centre of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the airstrike targeted multiple locations across Iran, including both military and civilian sites. The attack reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, including women, children, and prominent military figures.

Among the deceased are Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces; Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters; and Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC. The deaths of these senior commanders mark one of the most severe blows to Iran’s military leadership in recent years.

Iranian authorities condemned the strike as a "reckless and criminal act" and accused the "Zionist regime" of violating international law and targeting non-combatants. The statement described the attack as evidence of Israel's "terrorist nature" and vowed a "crushing and regret-inducing" response.

“This blatant act of aggression has crossed all red lines,” the military's statement read, adding that Iran's retaliation would be “unlimited” and carried out with “the full backing of our brave nation.”

Iran also paid tribute to the fallen leaders, referring to them as veterans of the Iran-Iraq War and defenders of the Islamic Republic. The announcement emphasised that their deaths would not weaken Iran’s resolve and that their successors would carry forward their legacy.

The strike comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a series of tit-for-tat actions between Iran and Israel across various theatres, including Syria and the broader Gulf region.

As of now, Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the allegations.

International observers warn that the incident may trigger further instability in the Middle East, as Iran’s leadership has declared that retaliatory operations are already underway.