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By Anna Commander
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The commander in chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salami, has been killed in Israel's strike, state media reported local time Friday.
Newsweek previously reached out to the White House via email for comment regarding the attack.
Why It Matters
Tensions in the region have escalated as Iranian Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh previously warned that Iran could attack U.S. bases if nuclear talks break down with President Donald Trump's administration or if hostilities continue to mount.
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What To Know
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz first announced the strikes in a statement, saying that he initiated "a special state of emergency" in Israel following a "preemptive strike against Iran" and warned of potential drone and missile attacks against Israel and civilians.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed up with a statement: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region."
Rubio added: "Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel."
It was reported on Wednesday that the United States Embassy in Baghdad was also preparing for an ordered evacuation of nonessential personnel amid security threats in the region.
Salami leveled a threat to the United States last month, saying Iran would "open the gates of hell" if attacked by Israel or America.
He then took a swipe at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that he was trying to pull the United States into an "unending war." The general said that Iran was prepared to fight but was also still prioritizing diplomacy at the time.
An Israeli military official previously told Newsweek that the strikes were part of "Operation Rising Lion," conducted after intelligence indicated that Iran had enough material to produce 15 nuclear bombs.
The operation Friday morning local time is reported to have involved dozens of attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities, military sites and military personnel.
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What People Are Saying
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson BG Effie Defrin, in a recorded video statement on X, formerly Twitter, in part: "For years, the Iranian regime has called for the destruction of the state of Israel. Planning and advancing concrete military plans to do so.
"Over the past few months, intelligence has shown that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. This morning, the IDF began preemptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program. In order to prevent the Iranian regime's ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe."
Trump posted to Truth Social on Thursday: "We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott, on X: "Tonight, I ask every American to join me in praying for the safety of U.S. personnel in the Middle East and the safety and success of Israel as it takes action against a leading state sponsor of terrorism and our shared enemy, Iran."
Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky posted to X on Thursday: "A war with Iran would make Iraq look like a skirmish. If your goal were to bankrupt America and destabilize the world, dragging us into another endless Middle East war would be the way to do it. That's why I'm glad @POTUS promised—and brought the country together—on a commitment to peace, not more war."
What Happens Next
It is immediately unclear if or when Iran will respond.
Update 6/12/25, 11:04 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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