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Hossein Salami killed in Israeli attack, says Iranian state media

1 min Edward Finkelstein

Iranian state media confirmed on Friday that General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Tehran during Operation “Rising Lion” on June 13, 2025.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General, Hossein Salami attends a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, January 2, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters 

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General, Hossein Salami attends a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, January 2, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters 

Iranian state media confirmed on Friday that General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Tehran during Operation “Rising Lion” on June 13, 2025.

Salami was a pivotal figure in Iran's military hierarchy, having led the IRGC since April 2019 and being closely involved in managing Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal and regional proxy operations/

The strike, executed by over 200 Israeli warplanes and reportedly targeting multiple military and nuclear sites, also resulted in the deaths of other senior IRGC commanders, military officers, and nuclear scientists.Iran responded by launching more than 100 drones towards Israel.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed “harsh retaliation,” warning that Israel will face severe consequences for the attack.

Edward Finkelstein

Edward Finkelstein

From Athens, Edward Finkelstein covers current events in Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan. He has over 15 years of experience reporting on these countries. He is a specialist in terrorism issues

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