• Iran has appointed new military leaders in response to recent Israeli strikes that killed high-ranking officials.
• The Israeli attacks targeted nuclear facilities, resulting in the deaths of key military figures and scientists.
• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized the need for a transformative approach in military leadership moving forward.

In a significant escalation, Israel launched extensive strikes across Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites, killing multiple high-ranking military leaders, including Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, and Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strikes, described as "Operation Rising Lion," have resulted in more than 100 deaths, many of whom were influential figures associated with Iran’s military and nuclear programs, including six nuclear scientists, according to India Times, BBC, and Dawn.

Following these attacks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promptly appointed new leaders in the military. Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi was named the new chief of staff of the armed forces, replacing Bagheri, marking a critical shift in Iran's military command structure. Khamenei emphasized the need for "dedication, competence, and experience" in the wake of these losses, highlighting the strategic importance of the appointments, as reported by AA and AA.

Additionally, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour has been appointed as the new permanent commander of the IRGC. Pakpour's previous leadership roles during the Iran-Iraq war have equipped him with significant military experience, which Khamenei sees as vital for the IRGC's future. Maj. Gen. Ali Shademani also assumed command of the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, reflecting a larger restructuring within Iran's military leadership, according to AA and AA.

The recent Israeli strikes also had devastating collateral damage, reportedly killing dozens of civilians, including children. Such acts have prompted immediate and severe responses from Tehran, including missile strikes into Israel aimed at military installations, resulting in further casualties on both sides. The ongoing conflict and its repercussions are being closely monitored as tensions continue to heighten in the region, as noted by BBC, Dawn, and AA.