Friday , 29 March 2024

Iran Says Two Military Officials Involved In Aerospace Research Killed

RFL/RE – Iran’s military says two officials who worked in the field of aerospace have been killed in separate incidents inside the Islamic republic.

Ali Kamani, a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) aerospace division, was “martyred” in Khomein in central Markazi Province on June 12, the IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency said.

Separately, Mohammad Abdous, an employee of the Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Ministry, was “martyred” late on June 12 “during a mission” in the northern Semnan Province, the ministry said in a statement.

Fars reported that Abdous, 33, also worked in the field of aerospace.

The IRGC’s aerospace program is believed to be in charge of Iran’s ballistic missile program, as well as some of the country’s air defenses. Iran’s aerospace industry also makes equipment ranging from military aircraft to missiles and drones.SEE ALSO:UN Agency Chief Urges Iran To Resume Nuclear Talks ‘Now’

No further details on the men’s deaths were given.

The reported deaths come as tensions remain high over Iran’s uranium enrichment program that is now closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.

Talks in Vienna to bring Iran back in compliance with a landmark nuclear deal it signed with world powers in 2015 have so far failed.

Under the deal, Iran had pledged to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Tehran.

Iran then accelerated its nuclear research, which it claims is meant only for civilian purposes.

The announcement of the two deaths comes after IRGC Colonel Sayyad Khodai, 50, was shot dead outside his home last month in the east of the Iranian capital by attackers on motorcycles.

The IRGC accused “Zionists” — a reference to Israel — of being behind the killing and vowed revenge.

Two weeks ago, another IRGC member, Colonel Ali Esmailzadeh, died “in an accident in his home,” according to state news agency IRNA.

With reporting by AP and AFP

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