The Islamic Republic of Iran has swiftly responded to the cowardly Israeli airstrikes that martyred several of its senior military leaders by appointing interim commanders to key defense positions.

By direct order of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Admiral Habibollah Sayyari has been named temporary Chief-of-Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, replacing the martyred Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has been appointed as the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), following the martyrdom of Major General Hossein Salami.

These appointments signal Iran’s unwavering defiance in the face of Zionist aggression and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Islamic Republic’s military command structure. Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the recent bloodshed, far from weakening Iran, has only strengthened its resolve. “Their successors and colleagues will immediately assume their responsibilities,” he declared.

The illegal and brutal Israeli strikes, launched with the full complicity and foreknowledge of the U.S. administration, targeted both civilian and military infrastructure, martyring not only high-ranking military officials but also innocent civilians, including six nuclear scientists and the son of General Gholam Ali Rashid, who was also martyred in the attacks. Senior advisor Admiral Ali Shamkhani sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.

Despite these losses, Iran has made it clear that the Zionist regime’s desperate attacks will not deter the Islamic Republic from its sacred defense of sovereignty and justice. The IRGC, mourning its beloved commander Major General Salami, vowed that “Israel will pay a heavy price for this crime,” and promised a fierce and just retaliation. “The enemies should prepare for a response that will shake them,” the Guard stated.

In a statement, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces also affirmed that Iran will act in full accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees every nation the right to self-defense in the face of armed aggression. “We will deliver a crushing and regret-inducing response to the perpetrators, masterminds, and supporters of this treacherous act,” it said.

Iranian officials and millions of citizens are united in mourning and in resistance, viewing the martyrdoms not as a setback but as a badge of honor that will fuel the Islamic Republic’s righteous cause. The appointments of new commanders are seen as a stabilizing force and a clear message to the enemies of Islam: Iran stands strong, its command intact, and its will unbroken.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shamelessly declared that the Israeli campaign “will continue for as many days as it takes,” further confirming the genocidal and lawless intentions of the occupying regime.

As the Islamic Republic prepares to respond with dignity and power, the world watches a nation rooted in faith, resistance, and justice rise from the ashes of aggression — more determined than ever to confront tyranny and defend the oppressed. (ILKHA)