The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, and Iran’s Defence Minister, Amir Nasirzadeh, were reportedly killed during Israeli airstrikes carried out across Iran on Saturday, according to sources familiar with the development.
Earlier assessments from Israeli officials suggested that Pakpour, Nasirzadeh, and Iran’s intelligence chief were likely among those targeted in the operation. Several high-ranking political and military figures were reportedly included in the strikes, such as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, although the final outcome regarding some of the targets remains uncertain.
Satellite images published by The New York Times revealed visible damage to Khamenei’s compound in Tehran following one of the airstrikes. An Israeli official confirmed that Khamenei was among senior leaders targeted but noted that his status has not been officially determined.
Reports indicate that Khamenei may have been relocated to a secure location prior to the strike, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as a “preemptive strike,” aimed at military and regime-linked facilities, including offices associated with Iran’s top leadership.
In response to the operation, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a special and ongoing state of emergency nationwide. Shortly afterward, the IDF announced a temporary ban on educational activities, public gatherings, and most workplace operations, with exceptions granted only to essential services.
Authorities also urged residents to stay close to protected areas amid concerns of possible retaliatory missile attacks. The military stated that the alert was issued to prepare the public for potential launches directed toward Israel.
