In a dramatic response to a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes that decapitated Iran’s top military command, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced sweeping appointments to key positions in the Iranian Armed Forces, marking one of the most consequential leadership overhauls in the country’s recent history.
The reshuffle, revealed Saturday via Khamenei’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, comes amid soaring military tensions and rising fears of all-out war between Iran and Israel. The Supreme Leader described the fallen officers as “martyrs of the vile Zionist regime”, vowing that their deaths would not be in vain.
> “In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid’s martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Ali Shadmani’s meritorious services and valuable experience, I confer the rank of Major General and appoint him Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya (pbuh) Central HQ,” Khamenei declared.
In a bold move signaling continuity and defiance, Major General Mohammad Pakpour was appointed the new Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following the assassination of its formidable leader, General Hossein Salami.
> “In view of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Hossein Salami at the hands of the Zionist regime, and considering Major General Mohammad Pakpour’s distinguished service, I appoint him as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” read the statement.
Another significant change was made at the helm of Iran’s armed forces:
> “In view of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri at the hands of the evil Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi’s meritorious services and valuable experience, I appoint him as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.”
The Iranian leadership has condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of international law and an unprecedented escalation by Israel. Government officials have accused Tel Aviv of crossing a “red line” by assassinating military leaders on Iranian soil, a move they say could plunge the region into prolonged conflict.
Though Israel has yet to formally claim responsibility, its intentions were made clear. In a fiery televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launch of “Operation Rising Lion” — a sweeping military campaign targeting what he described as the “nerve center” of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
> “Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu announced. “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
According to Israeli intelligence sources, the strikes targeted Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, ballistic missile development hubs, and even residences of nuclear scientists. Reports confirm that some airstrikes hit central Tehran in what has become one of the most audacious military incursions on Iranian territory since the Islamic Revolution.
Among those confirmed killed were General Hossein Salami, IRGC commander-in-chief; Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Iran’s highest-ranking military officer; and Ali Shamkhani, Iran’s former national security chief and longtime figure in defense strategy.
In retaliation, Iranian forces have unleashed a barrage of missile attacks on Israeli military bases and strategic installations, with Iranian state media vowing that the “resistance axis will respond with full force.”
The unfolding crisis has sent shockwaves through the region, with global powers urging restraint as fears mount over the possibility of full-scale regional war. Analysts warn that the assassination of so many senior military figures in one coordinated strike could lead to uncontrollable escalation.
As both Tehran and Tel Aviv dig in their heels, the Middle East braces for what could be one of its most dangerous confrontations in decades — a war of generals, missiles, and wills.
PIONEER NEWS 