The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the elimination of Ali Shadmani, Iran’s war-time Chief of Staff and top military commander, in an Israeli Air Force (IAF) strike in central Tehran.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, marks the second time in five days that the IDF has targeted and killed Iran’s highest-ranking military official. The strike was based on precise intelligence, according to the IDF.
Shadmani, described as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s closest military advisor, was a key figure in Iran’s military operations. His death is a significant blow to the Iranian regime’s leadership, especially amid heightened tensions in the region. The IDF stated that the strike was carried out to disrupt Iran’s military command structure.
The operation follows a similar IDF strike five days earlier, which also targeted Iran’s top military leadership.
Details of the earlier strike were not disclosed, but the rapid succession of these high-profile eliminations has escalated concerns about further conflict between Israel and Iran.
Iranian officials have not yet commented on Shadmani’s death or the strike in Tehran. The IDF has not released additional details about the operation or its broader implications, but the strike is likely to intensify the ongoing rivalry between the two nations.
This latest action comes amid a volatile period in the Middle East, with both sides exchanging threats and military actions in recent months. Analysts warn that the elimination of such a senior figure could prompt retaliatory moves from Iran, potentially escalating the situation further.