Top Iranian military commanders and nuclear experts have been killed in a powerful airstrike launched by Israel early Friday.
The attack targeted nuclear and missile sites deep inside Iran, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, one of the core centers of the country’s nuclear programme.
The strikes, which caused loud explosions and thick smoke in several areas, marked one of the most intense assaults on Iranian soil in recent years.
Israel also bombed radar bases and missile defense systems in western parts of the country.
Those confirmed dead include General Hossein Salami, leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and General Mohammad Bagheri, who served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
Other high-ranking figures reportedly killed are General Amir Ali Hajizadeh of the IRGC Aerospace Force, General Gholam Ali Rashid, who led Khatam al Anbiya, along with nuclear scientists Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi and Dr. Tehranchi.
The military operation followed growing international fears over Iran’s nuclear capability, as Israeli authorities claimed the country was close to building nuclear weapons.
In response, Iran sent over 100 drones toward Israel.
Iraqi officials said the drones passed through their airspace, while Jordan confirmed it had intercepted several drones and missiles to protect its citizens.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has appointed new military commanders.
Khamenei named Abdolrahim Mousavi as the new chief of staff of the armed forces, Mohammad Pakpour as the IRGC’s new commander, and Ali Shadmani to lead the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
