The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it killed several senior members of the Iranian security leadership in its coordinated airstrikes against the country, including a top defence official and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Tehran has not confirmed the deaths. The strikes came amid a broader joint US-Israeli offensive targeting Iran’s military and strategic infrastructure, sharply escalating tensions across the region.
The IDF said the operation was launched after its Military Intelligence Directorate identified two locations in Tehran where senior Iranian security officials had gathered.
“Hundreds of Air Force fighter jets, under precise guidance from the Intelligence Directorate, have attacked hundreds of targets of the Iranian terrorist regime,” the Israeli military said.
Among those confirmed dead, according to Israel, was Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a key figure in Iran’s defence decision-making. Israel said Shamkhani had previously been targeted in last year’s hostilities.
The IDF also confirmed the killing of Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accusing him of leading a “plan to destroy Israel” and overseeing missile and drone attacks.
Other officials named by Israel include Salah Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and senior figures linked to Iran’s SPND weapons development body.
Israel alleged the officials were central to missile production, regional proxy coordination and advanced weapons programs, including nuclear-related projects.
(With inputs from agencies)
