Israeli attacks kill high-ranking Iranian intelligence officials in a significant escalation of the Israel-Iran war. They include Mohammad Kazemi, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organisation chief, his deputy Mohammad Hassan Mohaqiq, Quds Force intelligence head Mohsen Bakri, and deputy Abu al-Fadl Nikouei.
The casualties are a major blow to Tehran’s military and intelligence apparatus as the two countries keep attacking for the third consecutive day. The news comes amid heightened tensions, with rising fatalities on both sides and key diplomacy crumbling.
IRGC and Quds Force Intelligence Chiefs Killed
Israel officially identified four top Iranian commanders killed in recent strikes. Mohammad Kazemi and Mohammad Hassan Mohaqiq headed the IRGC’s Intelligence Organisation. Quds Force intelligence chief Mohsen Bakri and his deputy Abu al-Fadl Nikouei were also killed in two separate IDF operations. The officers, according to reports, coordinated Iran’s foreign strategies, including operations against Israel and Western interests.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News reported Kazemi and Mohaqiq’s deaths. Reports showed Bakri died in a Sunday strike in Tehran. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu previously confirmed the first two fatalities.
Escalation Continues on Both Sides
Since last Friday, both Israel and Iran have made direct attacks. Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 224 individuals in Iran, the majority of whom are civilians, Iranian state media reports. At least 14 individuals have been killed and 15 injured in Israel. The tit-for-tat bombing has reached its third day, with no indication of ceasefire.
Iran launched its first daytime missile strike against Israel on Sunday. Four were injured in a Haifa attack. Rocket attacks also hit northern and southern areas, leading officials to remove bunker alerts.
Blaze in Tehran, Nuclear Talks Collapse
Israel also hit oil and gas sites in Tehran, causing huge fires. Snapshots from the capital indicated that the night sky was ablaze with fire, contributing to fear among citizens. During the mayhem, the US confirmed that planned nuclear negotiations with Iran had been canceled.
In another related revelation, a US official said Donald Trump, while he was president, had turned down an Israeli proposal to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Regional Instability Deepens
As Israeli attacks assassinate top Iranian intelligence officials, the impact carries through to diplomacy, security, and public safety. Iran’s intelligence activities are now critically disabled. Israel prepares meanwhile for further retaliation.
With nuclear talks now out of the question and civilian lives in greater peril, the conflict between Israel and Iran seems far from finished.
