Iran has confirmed that senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed during Israeli airstrikes on Tehran early Friday.
In a post tagged “Statement No. 2” from the Communications Center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the government announced the “martyrdom” of three senior IRGC commanders:
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces
Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters
Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC
The statement also reported the deaths of several unnamed scientists, civilians, and “innocent women and children” as a result of the Israeli airstrike.
“This heinous act once again reveals the true terrorist nature of this rogue regime to the world,” the statement read. “Although the loss of these heroes—veterans of the eight-year Sacred Defense—is a devastating national tragedy, their comrades and successors will never let the banner of honor they raised fall. The radiant path of resistance and dignity will continue with unwavering strength and clarity.”
It added that retaliation was already underway: “The unjust blood spilled in this attack will not go unanswered. Retaliation is now a solemn mission, actively underway by Iran’s Armed Forces, and will continue until justice is delivered.”
Offering condolences to the families of the deceased, the General Staff declared: “There are no limits to Iran’s response. With God’s help and the full backing of our brave nation, the divine hand of vengeance will strike this bloodthirsty regime and its backers without hesitation—God willing.”
In an earlier statement, labeled “Statement No. 1,” the Armed Forces said: “In the early hours of Friday, 23 Khordad (June 12), the Zionist regime carried out an aggressive and reckless attack on several areas of the country, including both civilian and military zones. This assault resulted in the martyrdom and injury of a number of our dear compatriots, including women, children, and several commanders of the Armed Forces.”
It concluded by assuring the Iranian public that a response would be “crushing and regret-inducing.”
