Tel Aviv/Tehran, June 16: In a major escalation of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday claimed it successfully eliminated four high-ranking Iranian intelligence officials in a precision airstrike deep inside Tehran. The strike reportedly targeted a secure facility housing senior figures of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the IDF announced:
“The IDF eliminated 4 senior Iranian intelligence officials, including the Head of the IRGC’s Intelligence Organization.”
The individuals killed include:
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Mohammad Kazemi, Chief of the IRGC Intelligence Organization
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Mohammad Hassan Mohaqiq, Deputy Chief
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Mohsen Bakri, Head of Quds Force Intelligence
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Abu al-Fadl Nikouei, Deputy Head of Quds Force Intelligence
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) executed the strike using fighter jets guided by high-precision intelligence, targeting the high-security compound in Tehran where the officials were reportedly stationed.
The IDF eliminated 4 senior Iranian intelligence officials, including the Head of the IRGC’s Intelligence Organization.
Yesterday, IAF fighter jets guided by precise IDF intelligence struck a structure in Tehran housing top Iranian intelligence officials.
The 4 officials are:… pic.twitter.com/nygndSwY6h
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 16, 2025
Israel Asserts Full Control Over Tehran’s Skies
In a parallel announcement, Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin declared that the Israeli Army has established full air superiority over Tehran.
“We can now say that we have achieved full air superiority in the skies over Tehran,” Defrin stated at a press briefing.
The IDF revealed that over 50 fighter jets and precision-guided missiles struck more than 120 ballistic missile launch sites in Tehran and surrounding areas—sites allegedly responsible for attacks on Israeli cities since Friday.
Civilian Casualties Mount in Israel
Meanwhile, Iranian missile strikes on Israeli territory resulted in the death of at least eight civilians on Monday. According to The Times of Israel, the fatalities include:
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4 in Petah Tikva
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3 in Haifa
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1 in Bnei Brak
Israel’s Health Ministry confirmed that 287 people were hospitalized across the country due to injuries sustained in the attacks.
UN Condemns Escalation, Urges Immediate De-escalation
Reacting to the spiraling violence, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk voiced grave concern at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
“The military escalation between Israel and Iran is deeply worrying. I join all those appealing for de-escalation and urgent diplomatic negotiations,” Türk stated.
He also called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing the protection of civilians in densely populated regions.
Global Concerns Intensify
The targeted elimination of Iran’s top intelligence brass signals a significant turning point in the Israel-Iran conflict, which has already seen widespread casualties, regional instability, and international alarm. Observers fear further escalation unless urgent diplomatic interventions are initiated.
