Fri Jun 13 09:25:13 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, as well as residences of senior security officials in Tehran, killing multiple high-ranking military figures. Among the dead was General Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, making him the highest-ranking military official killed. Bagheri’s career included service in the Iran-Iraq War, leadership roles in intelligence operations, and affiliations with an elite force within the IRGC. He was subject to sanctions from the US, EU, Canada, and the UK. The attacks have been widely condemned and cast serious doubt on the continuation of planned nuclear talks between the US and Iran.

**News Article:**

**Israel Strikes Iran, Killing Top General and Igniting Regional Tensions**

**Tehran, Iran** – In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities early Friday morning, resulting in the death of several high-ranking Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces. Bagheri was the highest-ranking military figure killed in the attack.

The strikes targeted facilities in Tehran, including residential homes reportedly housing senior security officials. The attacks also claimed the lives of Hossein Salami, commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and Gholamali Rashid, deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces, as well as multiple nuclear scientists.

General Bagheri, born Mohammad Hossein Afshordi, had a long and storied military career, beginning with his involvement in the Iran-Iraq War. He held key positions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), including head of intelligence operations. In 2016, he was appointed Chief of Staff, overseeing both the IRGC and the rest of Iran’s military.

The attacks, widely condemned by the international community, come as the US and Iran were preparing to resume nuclear talks in Muscat. Many Gulf states have denounced the strikes as a violation of international law.

The US special envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed hope that nuclear talks will continue, however many analysts doubt that these talks will proceed.

The assassination of General Bagheri and other senior figures marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about a broader regional war. The future of US-Iran nuclear talks remains uncertain amid the heightened tensions.

Following Bagheri’s assassination, Iran appointed Ahmad Vahidi, a former defence and interior minister, as his interim replacement.

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