Editor's notice: This story has been up to date with further particulars.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed on June 13 that its aerospace commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, was killed in an Israeli air strike on a command facility, in keeping with the Occasions of Israel.
Hajizadeh was sanctioned by the European Union in 2022 for overseeing Tehran's provide of Shahed-type drones to Russia to be used in its conflict towards Ukraine, which have change into a key element of Moscow's conflict towards Ukraine.
He performed a central function in advancing Iran's drone and missile capabilities, assembly with then-Russian Protection Minister Sergei Shoigu in 2023 to showcase Iranian weapons.
The Israeli operation, described as "preemptive," concerned 200 plane and the dropping of 330 munitions, focusing on the nation's nuclear program and killing high army officers.
Hajizadeh can also be recognized for his function within the January 2020 downing of a Ukrainian civilian plane, which Iran later admitted was mistakenly shot down amid tensions with the U.S. All 176 individuals on board have been killed.
Ukraine's Overseas Ministry issued a press release on June 13 expressing concern over the fallout from the Israeli operation however underscored that "the Iranian regime helps Russia in its unlawful conflict of aggression" and provides Moscow with "weapons to kill Ukrainians."
Together with North Korea, Iran has been a key ally to Russia throughout its full-scale conflict towards Ukraine, offering hundreds of Shahed strike drones and short-range ballistic missiles.
The drones, low cost and full of explosives, have change into a central weapon in Russia's aerial assaults on Ukraine since their introduction in late 2022.
Identified for flying lengthy distances earlier than slamming into targets, they’re now mass-produced by Russia and launched in near-nightly waves to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.
The Israeli strike passed off amid escalating tensions within the Center East, in addition to U.S. negotiations with Tehran relating to its nuclear program. The Trump administration has acknowledged it knew in regards to the operation prematurely however denied any involvement.
Kyiv warned of the potential international repercussions of the strike, noting that regional instability may severely influence worldwide safety and monetary markets, significantly oil.
Crude costs surged greater than 10% following the assault, boosting revenues for Moscow, whose financial system is closely reliant on power exports.
Russia has condemned Israel's assaults as "unprovoked aggression" and a violation of the U.N. Constitution.
The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek