After Appointing New Army Chief, Khamenei Warns of Doubling Retaliation for Israeli Strikes

After Appointing New Army Chief, Khamenei Warns of Doubling Retaliation for Israeli Strikes

Tehran | June 13, 2025

Just hours after an Israeli airstrike killed three top Iranian military commanders, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei enacted a major reshuffle in the country’s military leadership. The new appointments, announced on Friday, bring fresh faces to the top ranks of Iran’s armed forces.

New Army Chief Appointed: General Mousavi

According to the Tehran Times, Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, replacing the late General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri. In the decree, Khamenei praised Mousavi's "qualifications and past service."

Other Key Appointments:

Major General Ali Shadmani has been named the new Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, succeeding General Gholamali Rashid.

Major General Mohammad Pakpour has been appointed as the new Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), taking over from the late General Hossein Salami.

Tribute to the Fallen and Promise of Harsh Retaliation

Calling the slain commanders "glorious martyrs," Khamenei stated that their deaths at the hands of the “criminal Zionist regime” was a “dignified sacrifice.” He prayed that they may be granted “companionship with Imam Ali (AS).”

Khamenei emphasized revolutionary vigilance, spiritual leadership, and combat readiness for the newly appointed commanders. He also directed all armed forces, including the Basij militia, to maintain the highest level of preparedness.

Warning on Consequences of Israeli Strikes

In a statement on Friday, Khamenei warned:

“Israel has crafted a bitter fate for itself, and it will surely suffer the consequences.”

Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi added:

“Israel will pay a steep price for its actions. Our forces are ready, and retaliation is imminent.”

Casualties of the Israeli Airstrike

The airstrike in and around Tehran resulted in the deaths of:

General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri

General Gholamali Rashid

General Hossein Salami

In addition, two nuclear scientists were also killed:

Fereydoon Abbasi

Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi

There were also numerous civilian casualties, including women and children, in a residential area of Tehran.

Israeli Response and Military Posture

IDF spokesperson Efi Dafrin confirmed:

“Iran has already launched more than 100 drones, which are being intercepted.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated:

“The objective of this operation is to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military capabilities. It will continue as long as necessary.”

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi added:

“This is a war for our existence. There is no room to retreat.”

Heightened Security Across Israel

Israel’s Home Front Command has announced:

All educational institutions are closed

Public gatherings are banned

Hospitals have been ordered to move critical operations underground