TEL AVIV: As Iran continues its missile offensives, Israel has launched a retaliatory strike, killing two high-ranking commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Among those targeted were Saeed Izadi, a senior officer in the IRGC-Quds Force, and Benham Shariyari, the head of the unit responsible for arms transfers within the Quds Force.
According to reports, Izadi was killed in a bombing at his apartment in Qom. He was allegedly involved in coordinating Hamas’s October 7, 2023, cross-border attack on Israel, providing financial and weapons support to the group. Shariyari, who oversaw arms transfers to militant groups including Hamas and Hezbollah, was killed when his vehicle was struck.
Iran continues to maintain that it will not cease its missile and drone strikes until diplomatic negotiations resume. Israel has responded by destroying several Iranian military installations and drone launch sites, including bombing areas near the Isfahan nuclear facility and regions bordering Iraq.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (86), currently believed to be sheltering in a secure bunker, has proposed three clerics as potential successors. Notably absent from the list is his second son, Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei (55), who had long been considered a likely heir.
The Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for appointing Iran’s supreme leader, is expected to make a formal decision based on Khamenei’s recommendations. U.S. media also report that a list of replacements for senior military commanders has already been prepared. Sources suggest Khamenei has ceased all electronic communication, relying instead on trusted intermediaries for critical decisions.
Earthquake amid attack
Late Friday night, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck northern Iran, adding to public fear. The epicentre was near Sorkheh, and tremors were felt as far as 150 kilometres away in Tehran. No casualties were reported. The timing of the quake led to unverified speculation that Iran may have resumed nuclear testing.
Iran warns the U.S. of “devastating consequences”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that U.S. involvement in the conflict would result in “severe destruction.” Araghchi, who has been engaged in diplomatic efforts, recently held talks in Turkey and is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. A round of discussions with European leaders in Geneva on Friday ended without any resolution.
While Russia stated there is no evidence Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear arms.