Tehran, Iran – Iranian state media confirmed the death of Brigadier General Gholamreza Rezaeian, head of the intelligence branch of the Islamic Republic of Iran Police Force (IRIF), known as “Faraja.” This comes in the wake of intensified airstrikes by Israeli and American forces targeting vital and command centers within the country. The Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported that Rezaeian was killed in the recent escalation of military activity that has affected the capital, Tehran, and several other Iranian cities. Rezaeian was one of the most prominent security leaders within the Iranian police force. The agency he led is responsible for highly sensitive tasks, including internal security and counter-espionage. Furthermore, it monitors field activities nationwide.
Despite confirmation of his death, Iranian official sources have yet to release precise details regarding the location of the attack. They have also not disclosed whether he was accompanied by other security leaders during the strikes, which both Washington and Tel Aviv described as “precise and wide-ranging.” Rezaian was a veteran security figure who rose through the ranks to lead the police intelligence service. His previous positions included heading the Immigration and Foreign Nationals Police and the Public Security and Intelligence Police. He also served as the Inspector General of the Police Force. Observers believe that the loss of such a prominent leader represents a significant blow to Iran’s internal security coordination, particularly given the exceptional circumstances the country is currently facing following a series of assassinations targeting key figures in the regime. Political circles in Tehran are awaiting further official statements regarding Rezaian’s funeral. They are also waiting to see if it will serve as a platform to announce the nature of Iran’s response to the wave of assassinations targeting the highest levels of the political and security leadership.
