Tensions Rise in Tehran After Israeli Airstrike on IRGC Commander

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran’s central Imam Hossein Square to mourn the death of senior Revolutionary Guards commander Brig Gen Sayyed Razi Mousavi, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Syria. The crowd, chanting “Death to Israel” and “Death to America,” expressed anger and grief. Many mourners waved yellow flags with the message “I am your opponent,” directed at Israel.

The IRGC spokesman, Ramezan Sharif, stated that Iran’s response to Mousavi’s assassination would involve both direct action and collaboration with others in the Axis of Resistance. President Ebrahim Raisi vowed that Israel would pay a heavy price for the killing. The Israeli government alleges that Mousavi was responsible for coordinating the supply of arms to Hezbollah, reinforcing the ongoing regional tensions. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, warned that Tel Aviv faces a tough countdown, heightening concerns over escalating hostilities in the region.