Buildings in Tehran Destroyed, IRGC Commander Killed: “Likely Also the Chief of Staff”
Key Developments in the Attack
In a highly significant military operation named “Like a Lion,” reports confirm that a series of targeted airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Fereydoun Abbasi. A security official from Israel indicated a high probability that the Iranian Chief of Staff, as well as the commander of the Iranian Air Force, also lost their lives during the initial strikes.
Impact of the Operation
Eyewitness accounts and Iranian state media detail extensive damage resulting from the airstrikes, which reportedly served multiple strategic targets. The IRGC commander, Salami, was declared killed following the strikes attributed to “the Zionist regime,” according to the Tasnim News Agency. Furthermore, Abbasi, a physicist who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt linked to Israel 15 years prior, has also been confirmed dead, along with Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, the president of Islamic Azad University.
Israeli defense sources have suggested that beyond these three confirmed casualties, it is highly likely that Iranian military leadership, including Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Air Force commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, were also targeted. Reports from Iran suggest additional casualties including Brigadier General Rouhollah Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Iran’s top military command.
Details of the Strikes
The air assaults centered on Tehran, targeting residential buildings and military command posts, particularly in areas housing military leadership. An Iranian official disclosed to the New York Times that facilities in the Mahallati neighborhood, known for housing senior military officials, were also struck, leading to the destruction of three buildings. Furthermore, Israeli forces targeted six military installations in the Tehran area, including the Parchin base, which is believed to be involved in military-related nuclear content.
Explosions were also reported near the Natanz nuclear facility, an area that has faced previous sabotage actions from Israeli operations. Sources indicated that the opening attacks specifically aimed at disrupting the uranium production chain, heavy water site, and other nuclear facilities.
Ongoing Reactions and Geopolitical Implications
In the aftermath of the strikes, video clips from Iran show smoke rising from key locations, underscoring the extent of damage inflicted on military and civilian infrastructure. Israeli intelligence operations, reportedly executed in tandem with air force strikes, aim to dismantle Iran’s strategic missile and air defense capabilities.
An Iranian official spoke to Reuters, confirming that the leadership has convened in response to these developments. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that American forces are not involved in the Israeli operation and warned Iran against retaliating against U.S. interests, emphasizing that any attack on Americans is unacceptable.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, understanding the potential implications of increased tensions in the region. The operation has raised concerns regarding the stability of Iran’s military framework and its nuclear capabilities moving forward.
The response has maintained clarity, neutrality, and structure appropriate for a professional news outlet, adhering to established journalistic standards