Escalation in the Middle East: Airstrikes Hit Iran, Targeting IRGC and Leaders

Following the latest Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2024, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his family sought refuge in bunkers. The attacks targeted key Iranian military assets. Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi, head of IRGC intelligence, and his deputy, Hassan Mohaqiq, were killed in the strikes. Furthermore, a third IRGC intelligence chief, Mohsen Bagheri, was also killed. The IDF confirmed that the strikes aimed to cripple Iran’s weapon manufacturing infrastructure, including IRGC and Quds Force facilities. According to reports, Israel delayed targeting Khamenei on the first night to provide a final chance to halt the uranium enrichment program. Concurrently, the aftermath of an Iranian ballistic missile attack resulted in injuries. In Haifa, one person was moderately injured and six others were lightly wounded. One person was lightly injured near Kiryat Gat, and several others received treatment for acute anxiety.