Israel srikes Iran, reportedly kills Revolutionary Guard Chief Gen. Hossein Salami and Military Chief Gen. Mohammad Bagheri

Israeli airstrikes on Friday hit multiple sites across Iran, including its capital Tehran, killing Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami and Military Chief General Mohammad Bagheri  in what is being described as the most significant attack on the country since the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, news agency AP reported.

Iranian state television confirmed Salami’s death, with an anchor stating: “The news of assassination and martyrdom of Gen. Hossein Salami was confirmed." Additionly, General Mohammad Bagheri, who was the chief of armed forces was also killed in the Israeli strike, as per Iranian state television report.

Also Read: Crude oil futures surge over 11% to 4-month high after Israel launches missiles against Iran 

Israel targets nuclear, military sites

The overnight assault targeted key elements of Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including officials involved in the country’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove the threat,” Netanyahu said in an address posted on YouTube, claiming the strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The attack has sharply escalated tensions in the region and raised fears of broader conflict between the two long-standing adversaries. Both Iran and Israel have since closed their airspace.

Also Read:Iran-Israel Conflict: Israel confirms preemptive attack on Iran under Operation Rising Lion; military, nuclear locations targeted 

Revolutionary Guard dealt major blow

Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard which Salami headed holds significant sway within the country’s ruling establishment and oversees the nation’s missile development efforts. His killing marks a major blow to the Iranian leadership.

The Israeli strikes came just a day after the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors censured Iran for its refusal to cooperate with inspectors. In response, Iran announced plans to establish a third uranium enrichment site and install advanced centrifuges.

US distances itself

While US intelligence agencies have assessed that Iran is not currently pursuing a nuclear weapons program, Israel has maintained that Tehran’s intentions are threatening and declared it would act unilaterally if necessary.

“We are not involved in strikes against Iran,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement issued by the White House. He confirmed that Israel had informed Washington of the operation but emphasised that the US had not participated in the attack.

Rubio warned Iran against any retaliation targeting American personnel or interests in the region, stating that the US priority remains the safety of its forces.

Emergency declared in Israel

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said his country was bracing for a potential counterattack.

“In the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately,” Katz said. He declared a state of emergency on the home front and urged citizens to follow official safety instructions.

The Pentagon ordered voluntary evacuations for US military families stationed across parts of the Middle East, and diplomats were pulled from Baghdad as precautionary measures earlier this week.

The conflict also had immediate economic ramifications. Brent crude prices surged nearly 5 per cent following reports of the strike, reflecting investor concern over energy supply disruptions in the region.