Fact Check: Israel claimed on June 16, 2025, to have killed Iranian General Ali Shadmani, who was appointed just a week prior as the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

Fact Check: "Israel claimed on June 16, 2025, to have killed Iranian General Ali Shadmani, who was appointed just a week prior as the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters."

What We Know

On June 16, 2025, reports emerged stating that Israel's military claimed to have killed Major General Ali Shadmani, who was identified as the chief of staff of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps' Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. This claim was corroborated by multiple news sources, including Reuters and UPI, both of which noted that Shadmani had been appointed to this position just a week prior to his reported death. According to The New York Times, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei confirmed Shadmani's appointment shortly before the incident.

Analysis

The claim that Israel killed Ali Shadmani is supported by various credible news outlets, which reported on the incident shortly after it occurred. The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the assertion that Shadmani was indeed killed by Israeli forces. However, the context surrounding the claim is crucial for understanding its implications.

1. Source Reliability: The sources reporting this event, such as Reuters and The New York Times, are generally considered reputable and reliable in the field of journalism. They have a history of fact-checking and providing accurate information, especially concerning international affairs.

2. Potential Bias: While the reports from these outlets are credible, it is essential to recognize the geopolitical context. Israel and Iran have a long-standing adversarial relationship, and claims of military actions can be influenced by national narratives and propaganda. The timing of the announcement, shortly after Shadmani's appointment, suggests a strategic military operation by Israel, which may be aimed at undermining Iranian military leadership.

3. Lack of Independent Verification: While the claims are reported by multiple sources, independent verification from neutral parties or organizations is lacking. This absence makes it challenging to fully ascertain the accuracy of the claims without further corroborative evidence.

Conclusion

Needs Research: While there is substantial reporting indicating that Israel killed Iranian General Ali Shadmani, the claim requires further investigation to confirm the details and implications of the incident. The sources are credible, but the lack of independent verification and the potential for bias in the reporting necessitate a cautious approach to accepting the claim as entirely factual.

Sources

1. Israeli military says it killed Iran's wartime chief of staff
2. Israel - The World Factbook
3. Israel – Wikipedia
4. Who Is Ali Shadmani, the Iranian Military Leader Israel Said It Killed?
5. Israel says it killed Iran's new wartime commander in airstrike
6. Miksi Israel iski juuri nyt, ja mitä tästä seuraa? Asiantuntija ...
7. Israel says it has killed Iran's new military chief of staff
8. Israel-info: tietoa ja tapahtumia