Israeli military strikes carried out early Friday reportedly resulted in the death of one of Iran’s most senior military leaders, according to Iranian state media.
Tasnim, a semi-official Iranian news agency, announced that “He was killed in a strike by the Zionist regime,” referring to Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Although unverified, multiple sources claimed that Fereydoon Abbasi, a nuclear scientist and former chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, was also among the dead. Abbasi had previously survived an Israeli-attributed assassination attempt over a decade ago.
Further reports indicated that Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, who serves as president of the Islamic Azad University, was also killed in the attacks, according to Iranian sources.
In addition to those reportedly killed, Nour News, an Iranian media outlet with links to Iran’s security establishment, stated that Ali Shamkhani, a key advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the ex-head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was gravely injured in an assassination attempt.
Despite the barrage of attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was confirmed alive. Citing sources via Reuters, the report noted that Khamenei is actively monitoring developments and receiving briefings on the military campaign.
An Iranian official speaking to The New York Times revealed that the Shahid Moghaddam neighborhood in Tehran, a well-known area that houses top military brass, had been struck by Israeli forces. The attack allegedly leveled three buildings in the complex.
From the Israeli side, a senior official acknowledged that, in addition to a heavy aerial campaign led by the Israel Air Force, Mossad had also executed a range of clandestine missions within Iran’s borders. These operations specifically targeted Iran’s missile development programs and air defense systems.
The Iranian military command responded to the offensive with harsh warnings. A spokesperson for Iran’s General Staff stated: “The Zionist enemy and the United States will pay a very heavy price. Iran will respond harshly against the Zionist regime. The Zionist attack on civilian areas has been confirmed, and our response will be certain. Iran is at 100% military readiness, and the enemy will suffer a painful blow.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement after the launch of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” he said.
Rubio emphasized Washington’s focus on ensuring the safety of its personnel and the importance of deterrence. “President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” added Rubio.
{Matzav.com}
Looks like we made salami out of Salami…
Now to make hockfleisch from all the rest…