Iran’s Top Military Officer Mohammad Bagheri Killed in Israeli Airstrike

Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s top military officer, has died after an Israeli airstrike hit key locations in Iran on June 13, 2025. The attack was part of Operation Rising Lion, a major operation by Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites. His death has been confirmed by Iran’s state media.

Bagheri was the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, the highest military position in the country. He had held this role since 2016 and was known for planning military strategies and overseeing Iran’s missile and defense programs. He was a senior member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and had fought in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.

Over the years, Bagheri played a big role in strengthening Iran’s military power, including building missile systems and working closely with Iran’s allies in the region. He often spoke about Iran’s goal of becoming a stronger force on the world stage, especially through naval missions and defense projects.

The airstrike that killed Bagheri also reportedly killed other top Iranian officials and scientists. His death is seen as a huge loss for Iran’s military leadership. After his passing, General Habibollah Sayyari was appointed as the temporary replacement.