IRGC Spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini Killed in US-Israeli Attack

US and Israeli Air Attacks Target Iran, Senior Officials Killed

A joint operation by the United States and Israel resulted in strikes against Iranian targets overnight, killing Ali Mohammad Naini, a brigadier general who served as spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC reported that Naini was killed in a “criminal cowardly terrorist attack” carried out by the American-Zionist side.

Naini had appeared on national television earlier in the day to assert Iran’s ability to manufacture missiles, despite wartime conditions. His death comes as part of a series of high-profile assassinations targeting senior officials in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani.

The Israeli army confirmed that it was conducting strikes across eastern Tehran, coinciding with the Persian New Year, Nowruz. Al Jazeera reported that the mood in the capital was “hushed,” with few festivities visible on the streets.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that targeting senior leadership roles within the IRGC or Basij forces is a desirable outcome. However, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard suggested that US and Israeli objectives may not be aligned, citing differences in their goals for Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and navy.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s political structure is not dependent on any single individual, stating that the presence or absence of a leader does not affect the overall system.

Source: Al Jazeera