Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, on June 13, 2025, Israel launched an operation targeting Iran's top military officers. This has severely affected Iran's security structure, as shown in a chart issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on social media, listing the deceased officers and their successors. Let's explore who these key officers were and who has taken over their roles.
List of Deceased Top Military Officers
Israel's attack resulted in the loss of several senior Iranian military figures. This list, based on IDF data, outlines the key players:
Ali Shamkhani
was the Supreme Commander's advisor and responsible for the nuclear project. His death has significant implications on Iran's nuclear strategy and security.
Mohammad Bagheri
served as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. His loss impacts the leadership of Iran's military.
Gholam-Ali Rashid
led the emergency response headquarters, essential for crisis management, now weakened by his absence.
Gholam-Al Mahab
directed intelligence, crucial for espionage operations now diminished by his loss.
Mohammad Pakpour
commanded the IRGC's ground forces, with his strategic insight absent, the IRGC's strength is diminished.
Hossein Salami
was the IRGC's Commander-in-Chief, affecting the organization's leadership profoundly with his death.
Esmail Qaani
led the IRGC's Quds Force, handling foreign missions, with his death weakening Iran's regional influence.
Amir Ali Hajizadeh
commanded the IRGC Air Force, responsible for missile and air strikes, with air defense now compromised.
Source: aajtak
Amir Mousavi
led the Iranian army, with his death affecting army operations.
Tahir Pur
was an IRGC ground force commander, with his loss impacting ground force capacity.
Daoud Shiyan
commanded the Air Force, with air capabilities impacted by his absence.
Mohammad Bageri
led naval operations; his death has weakened maritime defense.
Alireza Tangsiri
was the IRGC Navy Commander, with maritime security weakened by his loss.
Ali Shadmani
succeeded Gholam-Ali Rashid at the emergency headquarters. However, Israel confirmed Shadmani's demise too.
Who's Leading the Army and IRGC Now?
Following these immense losses, new leaders have been hurriedly appointed, affecting coordination within the army and IRGC. The new commanders include:
Abdolrahim Mousavi is the new Chief of Staff, taking on the role of Mohammad Bagheri. He has vast experience from the Iran-Iraq war.
The IRGC's ground forces have a new commander following Mohammad Pakpour and Tahir Pur, although the name remains unknown.
The successor to Esmail Qaani as Quds Force Commander remains unnamed, with limited information available.
A new Air Force Commander replaces Amir Ali Hajizadeh, though the identity is yet to be revealed.
The IRGC Navy's new head takes over from Alireza Tangsiri.
Impact and Situation in Iran
These strikes have dealt a severe blow to Iran's military might. The loss of top leaders in the IRGC and the army creates a vacuum in command and control, with consistent Israeli attacks weakening Iran's response ability. Experts suggest it will take time for new commanders to stabilize the situation. In the interim, Iran's defense capabilities could face further challenges.
