Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Mar 20: A senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike shortly after issuing a warning of an impending “surprise” for adversaries.

The IRGC confirmed that its spokesperson, Ali Mohammad Naini, was “martyred” in what it described as a “criminal” and “cowardly” attack carried out by the “American-Zionist side” at dawn.

In his last public remarks, Naini had challenged statements made by Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently claimed Iran had lost its ability to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles.

Naini dismissed the assertion, stating that Iran’s missile programme had reached its “highest levels” despite ongoing conflict. He claimed production continued even during wartime and that stockpiles remained sufficient.

“Our missile industry deserves a perfect score… even under wartime conditions we continue missile production,” he was quoted as saying by Iranian media.

He also warned of “surprises” for adversaries, suggesting that the conflict would grow more intense.

The IRGC officer had further mocked statements by Donald Trump regarding the destruction of Iran’s naval capabilities, daring the US to deploy ships into the Persian Gulf.

“Let him send his ships into the Persian Gulf if he dares,” he said, according to reports.

Shortly after his remarks were circulated, Iranian authorities confirmed that Naini had been killed in the airstrikes, marking a significant escalation in tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Further details regarding the strike and its broader implications are awaited.