Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has appointed Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari as the interim Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces following the assassination of General Mohammad Bagheri in a targeted Israeli airstrike on Tehran. The high-level leadership change signals a critical moment in Iran’s military and strategic command structure, as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.
General Bagheri, Iran’s top military officer, was killed in a series of coordinated Israeli airstrikes on Friday, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. His death marks one of the most severe losses for Iran’s military hierarchy in recent history. Bagheri played a central role in directing Iran’s conventional forces and strategic coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In another key appointment, Major General Ahmad Vahidi has been named as the new commander of the IRGC, replacing Major General Hossein Salami, who also died in the strikes. Major General Gholamali Rashid, commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters, Iran’s core operational command, was also confirmed dead, adding to the toll of top-tier losses.
Among the casualties were two influential Iranian nuclear scientists: Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, president of the Islamic Azad University, and Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Their deaths are expected to significantly impact Iran’s nuclear research and defense capabilities.
Iranian state media reported that the Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple military and residential sites in Tehran, resulting in additional civilian deaths and injuries. Flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport were suspended amid fears of further conflict, raising regional security concerns.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks and directly accused the United States of complicity, arguing that such coordinated strikes could not have taken place without prior American approval. The ministry emphasized Iran’s right to retaliate under the UN Charter and warned of severe consequences for both Israel and its allies.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that he had prior knowledge of Israel’s intentions to carry out the airstrikes but denied any U.S. involvement. He confirmed that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces are on heightened alert and will act if American interests are threatened.
Saudi Arabia issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli strikes, labeling them a violation of international law and urging the UN Security Council to take immediate action to de-escalate the situation. Riyadh warned that continued hostilities could spiral into a broader regional crisis.
The assassination of General Bagheri and other senior figures is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Iran’s military policy and its ongoing conflict with Israel. With new leadership in place, Iran’s response will be closely watched by international observers and regional powers alike.
