Iranian revolutionary guards chief killed in Israeli strikes amidst escalating tensions

Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes early Friday, marking a significant escalation in the region. The strikes reportedly targeted nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and high-ranking Iranian military leaders. Salami’s death is being seen as a major blow to Tehran, given his status as a key figure in Iran’s military and political establishment.

Salami, 65, was widely recognized for his hardline rhetoric and staunch opposition to Iran's adversaries, particularly Israel and the United States. Only weeks before his death, he had warned that any attack on Iran would provoke a devastating response, declaring Tehran’s readiness for war.

escalation of hostilities

The Israeli government stated the airstrikes were aimed at countering Iran’s alleged expansion of nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its influence through proxy groups in the region. This operation comes despite concerns from the United States, with President Joe Biden cautioning Israel against derailing diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal.

Iran’s leadership swiftly condemned the strikes, with officials warning that both Israel and the US would face severe consequences. The attacks have heightened fears of a broader conflict in an already volatile region.

Among those killed in the strikes were Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, Gholamali Rashid, deputy commander of the armed forces, and several nuclear scientists. The losses represent a severe setback for Iran’s military hierarchy.

a legacy of defiance

Hossein Salami’s military career began during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s when he joined the IRGC. Rising through the ranks, he became deputy commander in 2009 and assumed leadership of the organization a decade later.

Throughout his tenure, Salami was a vocal critic of Israel and the US, frequently issuing threats of retaliation. Following past Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, he had vowed to eliminate Israel, calling it a “Zionist regime” that Iran would wipe off the map. His remarks echoed Iran’s broader policy of denying Israel’s right to exist—a stance enshrined in the country’s ideology since the 1979 revolution.

Salami was also sanctioned by the UN and the US for his involvement in Iran’s military and nuclear programs. He often touted Iran’s growing military capabilities, claiming it was on the brink of becoming a global power.

the revolutionary guards: power and influence

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a powerful branch of Iran’s military, established in 1979 to protect the regime and its Islamic system. With over 190,000 active personnel and its own ground, naval, and air forces, the IRGC operates independently from Iran’s regular army. It also oversees the Basij Resistance Force, a paramilitary group often deployed to suppress internal dissent.

Beyond its military role, the IRGC wields significant political and economic influence, controlling a substantial portion of Iran’s economy through subsidiaries and lucrative contracts. Its elite Quds Force manages operations abroad, providing support to allied groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militias in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

Former IRGC members continue to hold prominent positions in Iran’s government, reflecting the group’s enduring grip on the country’s power structures.

implications for regional stability

The assassination of Salami and other senior officials has left Iran vowing revenge, further destabilizing an already fragile geopolitical landscape. The strikes have not only inflamed tensions between Iran and Israel but also risk drawing in other regional powers and global actors.

Observers warn that the situation could spiral into a broader conflict, with both Iran and Israel appearing unwilling to de-escalate. For now, the focus remains on how Tehran will respond to this unprecedented loss within its leadership.