The Israeli military has announced the death of General Ali Shadmani, recently appointed head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, a significant position within Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. However, Iranian officials have yet to confirm this development.
In Tehran, the city’s atmosphere shifted noticeably following this news. As daylight broke, many shops closed, including the historic Grand Bazaar—a rare occurrence typically reserved for protests or during severe health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. On the roads leading out of Tehran, heavy traffic was reported as residents attempted to flee, with many heading towards the scenic Caspian Sea region. Local sources indicated some diversions were causing additional congestion.
Amidst this upheaval, long queues formed at petrol stations in the capital, a city with a population of approximately 10 million, which is comparable to the entire population of Israel. Despite the palpable tension, Iranian authorities maintained that the situation was under control, refraining from providing clear advice or directives to the public regarding safety or evacuation procedures.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the already fraught relationship between Israel and Iran, as tensions in the region continue to simmer.