Three of Iran’s Most Powerful Figures Killed in Israeli Strike Targeting Military and Nuclear Leadership

In a dramatic escalation, Israel’s Operation Rising Lion has killed three of Iran’s most influential leaders, dealing a major blow to the country’s military and nuclear command. The unprecedented strike targeted Major General Hossein Salami, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and former national security chief Ali Shamkhani.

Major General Hossein Salami

Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) since 2019, was one of the most powerful figures in the Islamic Republic. As head of the IRGC, he directly reported to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and oversaw Iran’s most formidable military force.
Salami played a key role in expanding Iran’s influence across the region through a network of proxy militias, including support for Yemen’s Houthis and groups targeting U.S. and Israeli interests. He led the IRGC during Iran’s first direct missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory last year.
Salami was also involved in overseeing Iran’s missile production, including facilities that reportedly manufactured advanced weaponry for regional conflicts. His tenure was marked by controversy, including the IRGC’s downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet in 2020, which killed 176 civilians.

Major General Mohammad Bagheri

As Iran’s military chief of staff since 2016, Mohammad Bagheri was responsible for coordinating the country’s vast armed forces, with more than 500,000 active personnel. His position made him a central figure in implementing Iran’s military policy and operations.
Bagheri had been sanctioned by the U.S. for his role in supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region. He was frequently seen alongside Iranian forces in Syria and had held high-profile meetings, including with Saudi officials, as Iran navigated regional tensions.

Ali Shamkhani

Ali Shamkhani, a longtime adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei, was instrumental in Iran’s diplomatic efforts. As former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, he led negotiations that restored diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia in a landmark China-brokered deal.
Though replaced in 2023, Shamkhani remained a significant behind-the-scenes figure in Iran’s foreign policy and nuclear talks. His influence extended across military and diplomatic spheres, making his death a major loss for Iran’s leadership.

Impact

The deaths of these key figures are expected to shake Iran’s military establishment and could limit Tehran’s ability to respond to Israeli strikes. Analysts compare Salami’s removal to the loss of a U.S. chairman of the joint chiefs of staff — a blow that could reshape the balance of power in the region.