Fact Check: "IDF assassinated Shademani's predecessor just days before his own death."
What We Know
The claim states that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) assassinated Ali Shadmani's predecessor just days before Shadmani's own assassination. According to multiple sources, including The Jerusalem Post and i24 News, Ali Shadmani was appointed as Iran's wartime chief of staff only four days before he was killed in an Israeli airstrike. His predecessor, Gholam Ali Rashid, was reportedly assassinated by the IDF just days prior to Shadmani's death, specifically on June 13, 2025 (Washington Examiner, The Jerusalem Post).
Analysis
The timeline of events is critical in assessing the accuracy of the claim. Reports confirm that Gholam Ali Rashid was killed on June 13, and Shadmani was assassinated shortly thereafter, on June 17 (The Jerusalem Post, i24 News). This sequence of events supports the claim that the IDF targeted Rashid just days before Shadmani's assassination.
The sources reporting these events are credible, with established reputations in news reporting. The Jerusalem Post and i24 News are recognized for their coverage of Middle Eastern affairs, particularly regarding Israeli military actions. However, it is essential to note that these outlets may have a pro-Israel bias, which could influence the framing of the events. Nevertheless, the consistency across multiple reports lends credibility to the timeline presented.
Additionally, the context of these assassinations is rooted in ongoing military tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program and military leadership (Jewish News Syndicate). The Israeli military's strategy often involves targeted operations against perceived threats, which aligns with the reported assassinations.
Conclusion
The claim that the IDF assassinated Shadmani's predecessor just days before his own death is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Gholam Ali Rashid was killed on June 13, 2025, and Ali Shadmani was assassinated on June 17, 2025, shortly after taking over as Iran's wartime chief of staff.
Sources
- List of Israeli assassinations
- Israel assassinated Iranian army chief in secret mountain ...
- Israeli military source claims Iran's military leadership is 'on ...
- IDF kills Iranian commander Ali Shademani, showcasing ...
- IDF Kills Ali Shadmani, Newly Appointed Iranian Chief Of ...
- Israel kills Iran military chief days after assassinating ...
- News Digest — 6/17/25
- Early Edition: June 17, 2025