Tel Aviv: Israeli military sources have reported that a series of surprise airstrikes on Iran conducted in the early hours resulted in the deaths of 20 senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. The operation, targeting key figures, has raised tensions in the region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, among those killed were high-ranking military officials, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Maj-Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the Commander in Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Maj-Gen. Hossein Salami, and the head of intelligence for the Iranian armed forces, Gholam-Reza Marhabi. The airstrikes also claimed the lives of nine scientists involved in Iran's nuclear weapons development program, including Amir Hassan Fakhahi and Fereydoun Abbasi.
The report detailed that the scientists were key figures in their respective fields, ranging from nuclear engineering to reactor physics and mechanics. The operation was reported to have specifically targeted individuals believed to be instrumental in advancing Iran's nuclear capabilities.
In a related statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized his commitment to continuing air campaigns targeting Tehran and other strategic locations within Iran. He stated that the recent attacks were aimed at setting back Iran's nuclear program, claiming that the operation had achieved significant success in delaying Iran's progress.