Hossein Salami: Iran’s IRGC Leader Killed in Israeli Strike

Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025 – Major General Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in an Israeli airstrike, dealing a major blow to Tehran’s military leadership. The hardline commander’s death has sparked vows of revenge and raised fears of escalation. Here’s who Salami was and what his loss means.

Salami’s Path to Power

His rise was steady:

• Born in 1960, Salami joined the IRGC at 20 during the Iran-Iraq War, fighting in brutal battles that shaped his tough stance.
• He led the Basij militia, quelling 2009 protests over Iran’s disputed election, earning a fierce reputation.
• Named IRGC chief in 2019, he built ties with groups like Hezbollah and Houthis, forming the “Axis of Resistance.”

Salami became a feared figure.

The Strike That Took Him

The attack was precise:

• Israel struck Salami’s convoy near Tehran’s IRGC headquarters, not Isfahan, killing him alongside army chief Mohammad Bagheri and others.
• The operation used advanced drones, bypassing Iran’s air defenses, showing Israel’s reach.
• A mourner in Tehran said, “His death is a wound, but we’ll fight on.”

The strike stunned Iran.

Why Salami Mattered

His role was central:

• Salami oversaw Iran’s ballistic missile program, launching attacks on Israel in 2024, though most were intercepted.
• He was a key advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, shaping Iran’s regional strategy.
• His warnings, like “opening the gates of hell,” kept enemies on edge.

His loss shifts Iran’s power.

World’s Response

Reactions vary:

• Iran declared three days of mourning, with Khamenei vowing a strong response to the “martyred” commander.
• Israel stayed silent, but officials privately confirmed the strike’s success.
• The U.S. urged calm, warning that tensions could spiral into wider conflict.

The globe braces for fallout.

What’s Next for the IRGC

Change is coming:

• Esmail Qaani, head of the IRGC’s Quds Force, is likely to replace Salami, bringing his own aggressive style.
• Iran may order Hezbollah to fire rockets or push its nuclear program faster as retaliation.
• An X post read, “Salami’s gone, but Iran’s fight isn’t—expect trouble.”

The IRGC remains a force.

Salami’s Complex Legacy

His mark is deep:

• Salami faced U.S. sanctions for backing Syria’s government and crushing Iran’s 2018 protests, earning global criticism.
• He grew the IRGC’s economic reach, controlling ports and oil deals worth billions.
• His speeches, vowing to destroy Israel, rallied supporters but fueled fear.

Salami leaves a divided legacy.