Khamenei appoints Abdolrahim Mousavi as Chief of Staff, succeeding Bagheri after his death in the Israeli attack.

Iran's Tasnim News Agency published the text of the decision, which read: "In view of the honorable martyrdom of martyr Lieutenant General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri at the hands of the hateful Zionist entity, and based on your valuable services and military experience, I hereby appoint you as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces."

Addressing Mousavi, Khamenei said, "I expect you to deliver revolutionary performance that will contribute to strengthening defense and security capabilities, raising the level of preparedness of the armed forces and popular mobilization, and ensuring an immediate response to any threat that may target the Islamic Republic."

Iranian television announced earlier today the death of Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, following an Israeli attack on strategic sites in Tehran and several other Iranian regions.

At dawn on Friday, Israel launched a large-scale airstrike on Iran, involving more than 200 fighter jets. The operation, codenamed "Rising Lion," targeted nuclear facilities and sensitive military sites, assassinating a number of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists.

In the first official Iranian comment, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to retaliate, saying in a message to the Iranian people that "the attack will not pass without a crushing response that will make the enemy regret its actions." He added that Iran "will not give up its legitimate right to defend itself and its sovereignty."