Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Chief Hossein Salami Killed was killed on Friday during Israeli airstrikes known as the Rising Lion operation.
He was considered one of the most powerful figures in Iran. He led the most influential military force and reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Iranian state media, Salami died when Israeli missiles struck the IRGC headquarters in Tehran. Analysts suggest that his death, along with other top military leaders, might delay Iran’s ability to respond effectively.
The IRGC described him as “one of the most distinguished commanders of the Islamic Revolution.”
“In all arenas, he stood at the frontlines with a spirit of sincerity, wisdom, and devotion to the Supreme Leader,” he added.
CNN security analyst Beth Sanner compared his death to that of the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saying, “You can imagine what Americans would do.”
Salami’s Role in Iran’s Military and Regional Strategy
Born in 1960, Salami led the IRGC since 2019, overseeing its broad military reach including intelligence, cyber units and ballistic missile programs.
In 2019, he described missiles as “a way to end the story of American aircraft carriers.”
The IRGC also funds and trains militias across the region and supports Yemen’s Houthis, who have launched attacks on international shipping and Israel.
Salami was involved when Iran directly struck Israel with drones and missiles in 2023. In January, he appeared in footage inspecting an underground missile facility and walked over US and Israeli flags.
In 2020, under his leadership, the IRGC shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing 176 people. Salami publicly apologised and asked for forgiveness.
During protests over Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, he warned protesters, saying, “Today is the last day of the riots. Do not come to the streets again.”
The IRGC said it remains “fully prepared to deliver a decisive and harsh response” after his death.
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