According to The Daily Caller, Iranian state media confirmed that Israel killed IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami in major airstrikes targeting Iran on Thursday night. The attack specifically targeted Iranian leadership, nuclear scientists, and nuclear facilities across the Islamic Republic.
Israel has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation. Salami, who was designated as a terrorist by the United States, had issued warnings to Israel just hours before the strikes occurred.
Israel's Preemptive Strike Strategy
The Israeli military launched what appears to be a coordinated operation aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities and eliminating key leadership figures. Israeli forces reportedly targeted multiple nuclear facilities across Iran in an effort to derail the regime's nuclear ambitions.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun calling up "tens of thousands" of soldiers, signaling preparation for potential escalation. This mobilization demonstrates Israel's readiness to defend against any retaliatory actions from Iran or its proxies throughout the region.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the necessity of the operation, stating, "Recent and past events of history have taught us that when the enemy is attempting to destroy us, we must not turn a blind eye. We need to fight for our existence, freedom was given to those willing to fight for it."
US Position and Precautions
The United States has made clear it was not involved in the Israeli strikes against Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement distancing America from the operation while acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense.
Rubio's statement emphasized American priorities in the region, particularly the safety of US personnel. "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," he said.
In anticipation of regional instability, the State Department partially evacuated multiple US military and diplomatic locations throughout the Middle East on Wednesday. This preemptive move highlights the serious nature of the escalation and American concerns about potential blowback.
Salami's Final Warning
The slain Iranian commander had issued explicit threats to Israel shortly before the airstrikes that claimed his life. Salami warned that Iran would launch major retaliatory actions against Israel if it decided to attack Iranian territory.
As commander-in-chief of the IRGC, Salami held one of the most powerful positions in Iran's military and political structure. The Revolutionary Guard Corps represents the elite military force of Iran, responsible for both external operations and internal security.
Salami had been a key figure in Iran's regional strategy, overseeing operations supporting proxy groups across the Middle East. His elimination represents a significant tactical victory for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Iran.
Regional Implications Escalate
The Israeli strikes marked a dramatic escalation in the long-simmering conflict between Israel and Iran. With the elimination of Iran's top military commander and attacks on nuclear facilities, Israel has demonstrated both capability and willingness to take direct action against the Iranian regime.
Israel's declaration of a state of emergency indicates serious concerns about Iranian retaliation. Previous cycles of conflict between Israel and Iranian proxies suggest that response could come through direct missile strikes or through proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, or elsewhere.
The death of Hossein Salami, a U.S.-designated terrorist and commander-in-chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, came during major Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran on Thursday night. These strikes specifically focused on Iranian leadership, nuclear scientists, and nuclear facilities across the country, according to Iranian state media reports.
