Overnight attacks by Israel in Iran reportedly resulted in the death of Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran, according to several Iranian state media outlets.
Tasnim News Agency, associated with the IRGC, stated, “Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Security Force, was targeted in an assault on the headquarters of the Israeli regime’s IRGC.”
Additionally, Iranian state television reported that the strikes killed senior IRGC commander Goramali Rashid and at least two key nuclear scientists, Mohammad Medi Tehelanchi and Fereidun Abbasi.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operations focused on Iranian nuclear scientists, ballistic missile sites, and the Natanz enrichment facility.
“We struck at the core of Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs, targeting major Iranian nuclear scientists involved in developing nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu explained.
He named the operation “Lion Lion,” cautioning that it would extend “for a few days” to eliminate what he described as a threat.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated on Friday that Israel should expect severe repercussions, asserting, “The strong hands of the Islamic Republic will not let them go unpunished.”
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) declared it conducted a “preemptive, accurate, combined attack” aimed at obstructing Iran’s rapidly growing nuclear capability.
“Israel must act to protect its citizens and will continue to do so wherever necessary, just as it has in the past,” the IDF remarked in a statement.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed contact with Iranian officials and acknowledged the attack on Natanz, criticizing Iran for its ongoing uranium enrichment close to weapons-grade levels and for not meeting its non-proliferation obligations.
Residents in Tehran reported hearing a substantial explosion and saw smoke rising from multiple locations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the administration’s priority was to “protect the US military in the region,” rather than distance itself from the Israeli actions.
“Israel informed us that this action is deemed necessary for self-defense. The administration is implementing all required measures to safeguard our troops and maintain close communications with local partners,” Rubio stated late Thursday. “Iran should not target our interests or personnel.”
President Trump has yet to comment on the recent events but is scheduled to convene the National Security Council on Friday morning, as stated by the White House.
He previously warned that Israel’s strike against Iran could complicate ongoing nuclear negotiations with Tehran. “I’m concerned that an attack could derail the discussions. They might actually help, but it could also blow everything up,” Trump remarked.
As it stands, the US has engaged in five rounds of nuclear discussions with Iran, facilitated by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkov. Witkov is slated to meet with Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut on Sunday for the sixth round of discussions in Muscat, according to US officials.
Meanwhile, Iran remains determined to enrich uranium, despite this being a major red line for the US.
The Israeli attack coincides with orders from the administration to reduce the number of diplomats and military dependents in the Middle East.
“They are relocating because these areas can be perilous, and we’re witnessing the consequences,” Trump explained on Wednesday.
On that same day, Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Tehran would strike US military bases in the region should any conflict with Washington arise.
