List of Senior Iranian Commanders Killed in Israeli Airstrikes

A wave of Israeli airstrikes across Iran on Friday, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, has left a devastating impact, with several high-profile military figures and nuclear scientists among the dead. As reports continue to emerge, the phrase Iranian commanders killed has taken over headlines around the world, highlighting the scale and precision of Israel’s largest strike in recent years.

Targets included nuclear facilities, military compounds, and even underground bunkers. But it wasn’t just infrastructure that was hit, Israel struck at the heart of Iran’s military leadership.

Iranian Commanders Killed: Who Were They?

Among those killed was Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s top military officer and Chief of Staff of its armed forces. Bagheri was known for advocating peaceful strategies in recent months, making his death both symbolic and strategic. He has since been replaced by Abdolrahim Mousavi.

Another major blow was the death of Hossein Salami, the hardline commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His successor is Mohammad Pakpour, formerly head of the IRGC Ground Forces.

Gholamali Rashid, a key coordinator of Iran’s joint military operations and head of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central HQ, also died in the strikes. He was a prominent war veteran with deep influence in the defense structure. Ali Shadmani has reportedly been appointed in his place.

Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the leader of Iran’s Aerospace Force and mastermind of the country’s missile program, died in an underground facility targeted by Israel. He previously commanded Iran’s missile attacks on Israel in 2023 and 2024.

Iranian commanders killed in the strike weren’t the only losses. At least six nuclear scientists were also reported dead, including former atomic chief Fereydoon Abbasi, and experts like Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari, and Amirhossein Feqhi.

Civilian Toll Adds to Grief

Dozens of civilians, including children, also lost their lives in the bombardment. The full death toll remains uncertain, but the scale of this attack has rattled not just Iran, but the region as a whole.

Also, see:

Arab World Reacts to Israeli Strikes on Iran