Tehran: Iran’s top Revolutionary Guard commander and a senior security adviser were killed in airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel, as reported by state media. The state-run IRNA news agency confirmed that Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, who rose to the position of the Guard’s top commander following the death of his predecessor during the 12-day June war, was among the casualties.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Ali Shamkhani, a prominent figure in Iran’s security landscape and a former adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was also killed in the strikes. Shamkhani had previously been injured in the conflict that occurred in June.
In response to the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei, a council has been formed to govern Iran. This council, as mandated by Iranian law, is comprised of the sitting president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council selected by the Expediency Council. This body resolves disputes with the parliament and provides advice to the supreme leader. The current members of this council include Iranian reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. The Assembly of Experts is required to select a new supreme leader promptly.
In Dubai, debris from an aerial interception has resulted in a fire at Jebel Ali Port, a significant global transshipment hub. The Dubai Media Office reported that emergency crews quickly responded to the blaze that occurred on one of the port’s berths. Debris from the interception also struck the Palm Jumeirah and caused a fire on the facade of the Burj Al Arab hotel. Additionally, Dubai International Airport suffered damage, and four employees were injured.
The Revolutionary Guard of Iran issued a statement warning of an impending ‘most-intense offensive operation’ in retaliation for Khamenei’s death. The operation is set to target Israel and American bases, marking what they claim will be the most intense offensive in the history of Iran’s armed forces. Mourners in Iran raised a black flag over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, a significant Shiite pilgrimage site.
In light of the escalating military tensions, a global shipping company has instructed its vessels in the Persian Gulf to seek shelter. CMA CGM announced on its website the suspension of passage through the Suez Canal, redirecting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard vowed a ‘severe, decisive and regret-inducing punishment’ in response to Khamenei’s death, reaffirming their commitment to continue defending his legacy and standing against perceived internal and external threats.