Iran vows ‘harsh and decisive’ response after Israeli strikes on nuclear sites; IRGC Commander killed

Multiple Iranian state media outlets have confirmed that General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in the attacks. (Image: Reuters)

Iran has warned of a "harsh and decisive" retaliation following Israeli airstrikes early Friday targeting its nuclear programme, a senior Iranian security official told Reuters.

“The response to the Israeli attack will be harsh and decisive,” the official said, adding that potential retaliatory steps are “being discussed at the highest levels.” However, the source did not confirm when such retaliation might take place.

The strikes, a dramatic escalation in the already tense Middle East standoff, reportedly targeted sensitive Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Multiple Iranian state media outlets have confirmed that General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in the attacks.

Iran has since shut down its airspace “until further notice,” its civil aviation authority announced, urging citizens to avoid visiting airports. Earlier, a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) had indicated a temporary closure of airspace over the capital, Tehran.