Escalation of Conflict in the Region: Iran Suffers Massive Losses Due to Israeli Strikes
For several days, intense fighting has been ongoing in Iran, with recent reports indicating significant losses among the country's high-ranking military leadership. According to authoritative sources, at least 20 commanders of Iran’s military and defense sectors, including the key commander of the Air and Space Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Amir Ali Haghizhadeh, have been killed as a result of a series of strikes carried out by Israel across Iranian territory. Reports from Reuters, citing internal sources and several regional media outlets—including the Iranian IRNA and the British newspaper The Times of Israel—state that these attacks caused extensive structural damage to military facilities. The official Iranian authorities have already confirmed these losses, bolstering their stance on retaliation and assuring that they will find the necessary means for revenge. This comes amid a directive from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who, according to state media, has already appointed new commanders to lead the country's military structures. New Appointments: Major General Sayed Abdulrahim Mousavi has been appointed head of the Iranian Armed Forces Joint Chiefs of Staff. Major General Mohammad Pakpur has taken the position of commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Major General Ali Shademani now leads the "Khatam al-Anbiya" Headquarters, responsible for strategic missile programs. The official authorities also issued a statement promising revenge for the deaths of every military and civilian victim, hinting at inevitable and wide-ranging retaliatory actions. Additionally, media reports have now emerged about new targets of Israeli airstrikes. According to reports from Iran and Western sources, Israeli forces targeted a uranium enrichment facility in Natanz. Iran’s Foreign Ministry and military structures have pledged a harsh response. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister has already stated that the country will not remain indifferent and will do everything necessary to defend its national interests. At the same time, reports from crossfire indicate fires at strategic sites, including Tabriz Airport. Israeli officials claim to have damaged underground centrifuges in Natanz, although Iranian sources deny the complete destruction of nuclear material warehouses, describing the damage as part of an extraordinary but temporary situation. Historically, the conflict escalated on June 13, when Israeli forces launched strikes on Tehran and its surrounding areas, as well as several other cities in Iran. Israel characterized these actions as preventive operations aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities and destabilizing military facilities. In addition to losing high-ranking officials and nuclear infrastructure, several prominent nuclear scientists were killed, and pavilions and equipment at strategic sites were targeted. Iranian military and political circles quickly responded. A group of senior officials, including Brigadier General Abolfazl Shakarchi, declared that Tehran is preparing a large-scale response and assured that the United States will “pay dearly” in this confrontation. Although the U.S. officially denied being at war, it was revealed that American authorities were aware of the possibility of an Israeli attack earlier. President Donald Trump openly confirmed that he was already aware of Israeli plans and was ready to assist Israel if escalation occurred. Thus, the current situation in the region remains extraordinarily tense: a war of psychological and military actions continues, and the international community is closely monitoring developments that could have far-reaching consequences for the security of the Middle East and the world as a whole. Military and political analysts are already speaking about the potential for a new escalation of the conflict, which could lead to serious shifts in the balance of power and regional political arrangements.