Saleh Asadi
Iranian military intelligence officer (1963–2026)
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Mohammad Saleh Asadi (Persian: محمدصالح اسدی; 26 November 1963 – 28 February 2026) was an Iranian military intelligence officer who served as head of the intelligence department at the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's military emergency command, and as a senior intelligence officer in the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.[1][2]
Saleh Asadi | |
|---|---|
صالح اسدی | |
 Asadi in an undated photo | |
| Born | 26 November 1963 |
| Died | 28 February 2026 |
Cause of death | Assassination by Airstrike |
| Relatives | Mohammad Jafar Asadi (Brother) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Iran |
Branch |  Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps |
Service years | 1979–2026 |
Rank |
|
| Commands | Deputy for Intelligence and Security of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (2025–2026) Deputy for intelligence of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (2018–2025) Deputy for Intelligence of the IRGC Ground Forces (2013–2018) |
Conflicts | |
He was killed on 28 February 2026, during joint Israeli–United States airstrikes on Iran that targeted senior Iranian leadership in Tehran.[2][3] At the time of his death, Asadi was regarded as the most senior military intelligence official in the Islamic Republic's armed forces.[4] Israeli sources described him as involved in shaping Iran's strategic approach toward Israel and the United States.[1][2]
Career
Asadi served as the head of intelligence for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's military emergency command.[2][1] In this capacity, he was responsible for intelligence operations within the structure, which coordinated responses during national emergencies.[5] He also acted as a senior intelligence officer within the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.[2][6]
Israeli sources stated that Asadi played a role in shaping Iran's strategic posture toward Israel and the United States.[7] The Israel Defense Forces further stated that he was involved in plans related to regional conflicts, including those targeting Israel.[8][9]
Assassination
Asadi was killed on 28 February 2026 during joint Israeli–United States airstrikes on Tehran.[2][1] The strikes targeted an Iranian Defence Council meeting of senior Iranian security officials, resulting in multiple high-profile deaths.[5][4] The meeting was reportedly intended to reach a final decision on the development of a nuclear weapon.[4] His successors, Abdollah Jalali-Nasab and Amir Shariat, were assassinated by Israel two weeks later.[10]