Iran faced a devastating blow as Israel's Operation Rising Lion resulted in the deaths of some of the country's most influential military figures. The impact of these losses on Iran's military capabilities is significant and could severely limit their ability to respond to future attacks from Israel.

Major General Hossein Salami

Major General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was a key figure in the country, overseeing a powerful military arm and reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Salami played a crucial role in Iran's domestic suppression and international power projection efforts.

• Salami led the IRGC to fund and support militias across the region, targeting US and other military personnel.
• He oversaw Iran's direct strikes on Israeli territory using drones and missiles.
• Salami was in charge when the IRGC shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, resulting in the death of all 176 people on board.

Major General Mohammad Bagheri

Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, was another high-ranking military official killed in the Israeli strikes. Bagheri, who had been in this role since 2016, was instrumental in implementing military policies and coordinating activities within the armed forces.

• Bagheri had a history of meeting with foreign officials, including a rare visit by a senior Saudi royal to Iran.
• He was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2019 for his involvement in oppressing the Iranian people and promoting destabilizing policies globally.

Ali Shamkhani

Ali Shamkhani, a close aide to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran's former national security chief, was also among those killed in the strikes. Shamkhani played a significant role in Iranian diplomacy and was involved in talks to restore diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.

• Shamkhani's death marks the loss of a key figure who had been serving in important roles within Iran's military and defense establishment.
• He was known for his ambitious nature and extensive portfolio, which included running for president in 2001.

Amir Ali Hajizadeh

Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC's Air Force, was a crucial figure in Iran's missile program and defense strategies. He was responsible for orchestrating previous attacks on Israel and a US base in Iraq.

The deaths of these key military figures have dealt a severe blow to Iran's military leadership and strategic capabilities.