On the night of June 17, 2025, the Israeli military announced the elimination of the new Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ali Shadmani, in a targeted airstrike on a command center in Tehran. This was reported by the press service of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), emphasizing that Shadmani, appointed to the post just a few days ago, was a key figure in Iran's military structure and a close associate of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strike was part of the ongoing Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13 with the aim of neutralizing Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. Official Tehran has not yet confirmed Shadmani's death, which increases tensions in the region.

According to the IDF, Shadmani, who previously served as deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, was appointed chief of staff on June 13 following the assassination of his predecessor, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, on the first day of the Israeli attacks. The strike on the headquarters in central Tehran was carried out based on precise intelligence, allowing the Israeli Air Force to hit the target with precision. Israeli intelligence sources say Shadmani played a central role in coordinating operations between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian army, making him a priority target. In addition to Shadmani, several high-ranking IRGC commanders were killed in the operation, including Brigadier Generals Morteza Tayeb Masoud and Mahmoud Baqeri, the Mehr news agency reported.

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate. According to Reuters, Israeli strikes have hit more than 13 targets since June 400, including the Natanz nuclear complex, Shahed drone depots and military bases, killing 520 people, including 190 civilians, according to the Iranian Health Ministry. In response, Iran launched more than 900 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, damaging Tel Aviv and Haifa. According to The Times of Israel, 64 people were killed and 600 were injured in Israel. In Haifa, an Iranian missile damaged a power plant, causing the shutdown of Bazan Group oil refineries, killing three employees, Yedioth Ahronoth reports. On the night of June 17, the IRGC announced the start of the ninth wave of Operation True Promise 3, which includes massive drone and missile attacks that will continue until dawn.