The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Iran’s highest-ranking military officer, and the newly appointed chief of staff, Ali Shadmani, in a precision airstrike based on actionable intelligence, deep in central Tehran. This marks the second elimination of a top Iranian military commander since the conflict escalated.

Shadmani assumed his role as Chief of Staff and Commander of the Armed Forces’ Emergency Command just four days earlier, on Friday, June 13, 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Gholamali Rashid, in Israel’s initial strikes during Operation Rising Lion.

General Shadmani was not only the highest-ranking military officer but also one of the closest figures to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The IDF stated that Shadmani’s leadership was critical to Iran’s combat operations and attack plans against Israel, and his elimination significantly disrupts Iran’s military command structure. This targeted killing of General Shadmani is a critical hit to Iran amid the ongoing conflict.

The death of General Ali Shadmani is yet to be confirmed by Iran.