Israeli strikes target Iran’s top leadership in Tehran
Israeli airstrikes early Saturday targeted some of Iran’s most senior political and military leaders, according to Israeli sources cited by international media. Among those reportedly in the crosshairs were Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, in what would mark one of the most direct attempts in years to strike the core of Iran’s leadership.
The operation also aimed at Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, as well as Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s newly established Defence Council, and Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, the sources said. The coordinated wave of strikes appeared designed to hit senior command figures and disrupt Iran’s decision-making structure.
Israeli officials quoted by domestic and foreign outlets said the outcome of the strikes was still under review. It remained unclear whether any of the intended targets were killed or injured. Israeli television, broadcasting under military censorship rules, described the operation as highly successful in weakening Iran’s leadership but did not provide confirmation regarding specific individuals.
Iranian state-affiliated media, including Tasnim, rejected claims that senior leaders had been harmed. Tasnim reported that President Pezeshkian was safe and in full health, and said key officials had been transferred to secure locations before the attacks.
Missiles and precision-guided munitions reportedly struck areas near Khamenei’s office compound in central Tehran and sites linked to the presidency. Dozens of other locations associated with Iran’s military, missile and nuclear programs were also targeted, according to Israeli accounts. Witnesses in Tehran reported explosions and smoke rising near heavily protected government districts. Authorities closed roads around sensitive compounds while emergency services responded.
Israeli sources framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to disrupt Iran’s command structure and signal the costs of its regional policies and missile expansion. Iranian officials condemned the attacks as an attempt to decapitate the state and pledged a firm response, though they released limited information about damage to leadership facilities.
Analysts said that even if top officials were not hit, the public acknowledgment that Khamenei and Pezeshkian were targeted represents a significant escalation. The episode has intensified regional tension as Tehran considers its next move and foreign governments urge restraint.
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