Iran-Israel tensions: General Ahmed Vahidi appointed new IRGC commander after Hossein Salami's death, Iran's defence minister says...

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed General Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to replace the deceased Hossein Salami. Salami was killed in the large-scale preemptive strikes launched by Israel against Tehran on Friday morning.

The strikes by Israel, under the codename Operation Rising Lion, took down top nuclear scientists and senior Iranian military officials, including the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 

Habibollah Sayyari has been chosen as the temporary head of the Iranian Army General Staff after the death of Mohammad Bagheri, as per news agency Reuters. 

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh on Friday said that Tehran will retaliate against Israel. “Wait for our crushing response," Nasirzadeh said.

Moreover, former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami criticised Israel's actions, labelling them a “criminal act” and urging the international community, especially the UN, to take a staunch stand against further escalation.

He emphasised that the attacks interfere with Iran's initiatives to engage in “rational and peaceful” negotiations with the US.

Israeli Mossad commandos have reportedly conducted covert operations deep inside Iran. These operations involved the deployment of precision-guided weapons and advanced technologies targeting Iranian missile systems, as well as establishing a drone base near Tehran.

Germany has announced an increase in security measures for Jewish and Israeli facilities within its borders following recent escalations between Israel and Iran. This decision came after a phone discussion between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, where Merz was briefed on Israel's strategic operations in Iran.

Chancellor Merz reiterated Germany’s stance on Israel's right “to defend its existence” while also emphasising that Iran should not be permitted to develop a nuclear bomb. However, he called for restraint from both sides to prevent further escalation of conflict.

In a coordinated move with international partners, including the US, UK, and France, Germany aims to safeguard its citizens amidst rising tensions. The security discussions were part of a broader meeting of Germany’s security cabinet, which resolved to take necessary protective actions locally.