The Israel Defense Forces announced on X that the Iranian general featured in a recent state propaganda video has been killed in a targeted operation. The video, which showed the general boasting from a heavily fortified underground bunker filled with weapons, was widely circulated by Iranian media earlier this week. According to the IDF, that same bunker has now been destroyed in an Israeli airstrike.
This strike is part of Israel’s broader effort to dismantle Iranian military infrastructure and messaging in the region amid heightened tensions following Iran’s increased support for proxy forces across the Middle East. The elimination of a high-profile figure featured in a symbolic propaganda piece signals Israel’s continued emphasis on both operational and psychological warfare.
On Friday, the IDF posted to its official X account:
“A few days ago, Iran released a propaganda video of an Iranian general in a bunker filled with weapons, bragging about their support for terrorism. That bunker has since been struck by the IDF and that general has been eliminated.”
Link to post: https://x.com/IDF/status/1933944730775089548
While the IDF has not officially named the general, Israeli media and defense analysts believe the figure was involved in directing arms transfers to Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed proxies. The strike was reportedly carried out using precision munitions, likely as part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against military infrastructure connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Quds Force.
The targeted bunker was located in Syria, according to unconfirmed reports from regional outlets, though the IDF has not publicly disclosed the exact location. The video released by Iranian state media earlier this week had been intended to demonstrate Tehran's resilience and its deepening presence in proxy warfare, especially amid the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict and increasing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Syria.
IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a separate briefing, “This is more than just a tactical strike—it is a message to Iran and its network: we are watching, and we will respond.”
Military analysts noted the symbolic value of striking a site featured in an Iranian propaganda piece. “This is Israel using real-time intelligence and strategic messaging to push back not only on Iranian actions but on their narrative,” said Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser in an interview with Israel Hayom.
Iranian state media has not yet confirmed the death of the general.
The targeted elimination is expected to escalate tensions in the north, where Hezbollah has already stepped up rocket fire into northern Israel. Israeli defense officials are preparing for a potential retaliation and have increased air patrols along the Lebanon-Syria frontier.
The IDF has also hinted that more strikes are likely, as it continues its dual effort of dismantling active threats and countering the perception war being waged by Tehran.
