Israel Eliminates Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander in Preemptive Strike

In a dramatic escalation of its ongoing confrontation with Tehran, Israel has eliminated Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in a precision strike that also killed several senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, according to Iranian state media.

The elimination of Salami, one of the most powerful men in Iran, marks a major blow to Iran’s leadership and comes amid Israel’s ongoing “Rising Lion” operation. The IDF launched the operation Thursday night, targeting key elements of Iran’s nuclear program, military command, and missile capabilities in a preemptive strike aimed at neutralizing what Israeli leaders have described as an imminent existential threat.

Shortly before his death, Salami had issued another warning against Israel, vowing that Iran’s “next confrontation with the Israelis will be far more crushing, devastating, and destructive.” That threat, however, was silenced just hours later.

In a video address following the start of the operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the strikes were carried out in self-defense to stop Iran’s rapid march toward nuclear capability. “The Jewish State refuses to be a victim of the nuclear Holocaust perpetrated by the Iranian regime,” Netanyahu stated. He confirmed that Israel had struck enrichment facilities, weaponization sites, leading nuclear scientists, and critical components of Iran’s ballistic missile program.

IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reinforced Netanyahu’s message in a separate briefing. “Over the past few months, intelligence has shown that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon,” Defrin said. “We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat.”

The highly coordinated Israeli air campaign involved dozens of fighter jets striking numerous locations across Iran, including Natanz and Fordow two of Iran’s central nuclear facilities. The operation, based on detailed intelligence, was executed swiftly to minimize the window for Iranian counteraction.

As tensions escalate, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a “special situation” nationwide for the next 48 hours, warning of a “high probability” that Iranian retaliation could follow. Sirens sounded across parts of Israel throughout Thursday night, and citizens have been instructed to follow emergency guidelines as the nation remains on high alert.

Reacting earlier on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the possibility of Israeli action, while still expressing a preference for a diplomatic resolution. “Whether it’s going in or not going in, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “I’d prefer the more friendly path.”

The Rising Lion operation marks one of the most decisive Israeli actions against Iran’s military leadership and nuclear ambitions in recent years, signaling to both Tehran and the world that Israel is prepared to act unilaterally to defend its existence.

As Netanyahu powerfully stated, “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear program. We struck at the heart of its genocidal ambitions. Today, we are saying clearly: never again.”

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