In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has declared the death of Saeed Izadi, a senior commander integral to Hamas's operations, in a targeted strike on the city of Qom. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Izadi was a key planner of the assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and numerous hostages taken. IDF chief Eyal Zamir characterized the strike as an intelligence and operational triumph, emphasizing Izadi's responsibility for the bloodshed of many Israelis. As of now, Iran has not acknowledged the loss and continues to refute allegations of its involvement in the Hamas offensive.
Israel's Targeted Strikes Claim High-Profile Iranian Commander Linked to Hamas
Israel's Targeted Strikes Claim High-Profile Iranian Commander Linked to Hamas
Israel asserts it has eliminated Saeed Izadi, an Iranian military figure crucial in orchestrating Hamas's recent attack on Israel, marking a turning point in the ongoing conflict.
Izadi's assassination reportedly took place during the early hours of Saturday at an apartment in Qom, with his role as head of the Palestine Corps within the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps's (IRGC) Quds Force, linking him directly to Palestinian militant groups. His influence extended to providing weaponry and financial resources to Hamas, as stated by the IDF. Previously, in April, he survived an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Quds Force officials.
The IDF also announced the death of another Quds Force commander, Behnam Shahriyari, who was killed in a drone strike while driving in western Iran. Shahriyari was responsible for ferrying missiles and other weaponry to Iranian affiliate groups across the region, including both Hamas and Hezbollah. If these claims are validated, the loss of both Izadi and Shahriyari would represent a significant setback for the IRGC's operational capabilities.
As the conflict progresses into its ninth day, both Iran and Israel have intensified their strikes, contributing to an increasing death toll on both sides. Iran reported an attack on a nuclear facility in Isfahan by Israel, which Israel countered by claiming it aimed at military facilities deep within Iranian territory, having reportedly intercepted Iranian drones entering its airspace.
Amidst these tensions, Iran's Foreign Minister warned that U.S. engagement would escalate the situation, refusing to resume nuclear negotiations until Israeli military actions cease. Former President Donald Trump has suggested that the U.S. could intervene significantly, giving Iran a limited time frame to prompt negotiations regarding its nuclear program before facing potential airstrikes.
According to reports, at least 430 individuals, including military commanders, have died and around 3,500 have sustained injuries within Iran since the conflict's escalation on June 13. A human rights group estimates the current unconfirmed death toll may be as high as 657. Meanwhile, in Israel, there are reports of 25 fatalities, including a person who suffered a heart attack.
The IDF also announced the death of another Quds Force commander, Behnam Shahriyari, who was killed in a drone strike while driving in western Iran. Shahriyari was responsible for ferrying missiles and other weaponry to Iranian affiliate groups across the region, including both Hamas and Hezbollah. If these claims are validated, the loss of both Izadi and Shahriyari would represent a significant setback for the IRGC's operational capabilities.
As the conflict progresses into its ninth day, both Iran and Israel have intensified their strikes, contributing to an increasing death toll on both sides. Iran reported an attack on a nuclear facility in Isfahan by Israel, which Israel countered by claiming it aimed at military facilities deep within Iranian territory, having reportedly intercepted Iranian drones entering its airspace.
Amidst these tensions, Iran's Foreign Minister warned that U.S. engagement would escalate the situation, refusing to resume nuclear negotiations until Israeli military actions cease. Former President Donald Trump has suggested that the U.S. could intervene significantly, giving Iran a limited time frame to prompt negotiations regarding its nuclear program before facing potential airstrikes.
According to reports, at least 430 individuals, including military commanders, have died and around 3,500 have sustained injuries within Iran since the conflict's escalation on June 13. A human rights group estimates the current unconfirmed death toll may be as high as 657. Meanwhile, in Israel, there are reports of 25 fatalities, including a person who suffered a heart attack.
