In a shocking turn of events, Iran's state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) confirmed Friday morning that Israeli airstrikes had resulted in the death of Major General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Salami, a prominent figure in the Iranian regime, was known for his belligerent stance against America and Israel. He had recently declared his forces as "war-tested and experienced," ready to face their enemies.
According to Breitbart, other high-ranking members of the Iranian regime, including two nuclear scientists, were also reported dead in the strikes. However, the Iranian government has only confirmed Salami's death at this time. The IRGC, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization and a formal wing of the Iranian Armed Forces, is known for maintaining relations between Iran and its jihadist proxies, such as the Houthis in Yemen and Lebanese Hezbollah, as well as rogue states like Venezuela and Cuba.
The IRNA reported Salami's death without providing any further details, labeling him a victim of "assassination." The state news outlet also confirmed a series of airstrikes over Tehran by the Israeli Air Force. PressTV, another Iranian state media outlet, reported that the strikes had resulted in the death of several other senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists.
The Times of Israel, citing Iranian state television, reported that Israel had also targeted one of Iran's most prominent uranium enrichment facilities, the Natanz facility. Reports of potential disruptions in Iran by undercover Mossad agents have also emerged, although Israel has not confirmed these claims.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the airstrikes in a national address on Friday morning, dubbing the strikes as "Operation Rising Lion." He asserted that the operation would continue for as long as necessary, citing Iran's attempts to "weaponize" its enriched uranium stockpile as a "clear and present danger to Israel's survival."
Netanyahu emphasized Israel's role in defending the free world from the "terrorism and barbarism" that Iran fosters and exports globally. He expressed gratitude to the citizens of Israel and the bravery of Israel's fighters, stating that their courage would make the world a safer place.
Salami's death is a significant blow to Iran's military operations. The general was known for his threats against Israel and his support for Iranian proxies such as Hamas. His death comes in the wake of Israel's declaration of war against Hamas in Gaza, following a brutal terror spree against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Salami had recently responded to reports of a potential Israeli attack over Iranian territory, stating that Iran was prepared for any scenario. These reports followed alarming indications from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran was rapidly nearing the possession of enough fissile material to build a nuclear weapon. The IAEA had declared Iran in violation of several non-proliferation commitments, expressing concern over evidence of rapidly accelerating uranium enrichment activities.
In response to the IAEA's condemnation, the Atomic Energy Agency of Iran announced the establishment of a new uranium enrichment facility. The Israeli airstrikes occurred shortly before a scheduled sixth round of nuclear talks between diplomats from Iran and America. The fate of these talks remains uncertain following the attacks.
Throughout the first five rounds of negotiations, Salami was consistently in the public eye, threatening America rather than embracing diplomacy. He had previously warned the Israeli and American authorities, stating, "if you make the slightest mistake, we will open the gates of hell for you."
Salami was a regular figure in Iranian state media, often condemning America as a "small and weak" country with no true political allies. He predicted the collapse of both Israel and America, a stance that further highlights the tension between these nations.
The death of Salami, a significant figure in Iran's military operations, marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict. His loss will undoubtedly have repercussions on Iran's military capabilities and its relations with other nations.
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