Top Iranian Military Leaders Killed as Israel Begins Operation Rising Lion

Over 100 UAVs launched from Tehran toward Israel were intercepted by Israeli Air Force fighter jets outside Israeli territory | The IDF has eliminated numerous senior officials from Iran’s General Staff.

107th Squadron departs for Iran | Photo: IDF Spokesperson

Israel launched a wide-scale military operation in Iran overnight (Thursday to Friday), under the codename “Am K’Lavi” (“With the Might of a Lion”). In the opening strike, the Israeli Air Force eliminated numerous senior officials from Iran’s General Staff and bombed military and nuclear sites.

In recent hours, Iran launched approximately 100 UAVs toward Israel. The Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted all of them. Sirens sounded in Jordan over concerns of possible airspace incursions. Reports confirm the elimination of IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Iranian Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and several other senior nuclear scientists.

IDF Spokesperson’s Public Update

14:38 – The IDF is redeploying forces along the Jordanian border and expediting the establishment of a new eastern division – the “Giladi Division.” According to journalist Doron Kadosh, the division is now officially active, nearly six weeks ahead of schedule. It will be responsible for securing the eastern border amid concerns of potential ground infiltration or invasion via Jordan. A reserve infantry brigade has been dispatched to operate under the new division.

14:20 – IDF strikes in Iran (illustrative image)

14:15 – The Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and senior military officials will convene a security assessment at 18:30.

14:10 – Iran’s Ministry of Communications announced: “Due to the country’s special circumstances, temporary internet restrictions have been imposed. These will be lifted once the situation returns to normal.”

13:55 – IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin:

  • The Air Force continues to carry out strikes deep within Iranian territory.
  • Most UAVs launched at Israel were intercepted. Air defense systems operated successfully, though not flawlessly.
  • The Natanz nuclear facility suffered significant damage. This IRGC-controlled enrichment site was central to Iran’s nuclear program.
  • The commander of the IRGC Air Force, responsible for missile attacks on Israel, terror operations, and disruption of maritime trade, was eliminated. He was behind the UAV attacks and strikes on civilian vessels.
  • Our air defense systems are strong, but not impervious. The public must follow Home Front Command instructions at all times.
  • Instructions may change. The Ministry of Defense emphasizes: intense days lie ahead, and readiness is essential.
  • The operation is only at its beginning. Iran retains operational capabilities and appears intent on continuing its response.

13:50 – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: “God willing, the Zionist regime will regret its actions today.”

13:27 – The IDF confirms the elimination of the IRGC Air Force Commander and his senior leadership.

The IRGC Air Force has led repeated attacks against Israeli civilians. Its commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, directed missile and UAV strikes from Iran to Israel in October and again in April. He and his associates also orchestrated the 2019 drone attack on Saudi oil facilities.

Hajizadeh repeatedly pledged loyalty to the goal of Israel’s destruction and played a central role in formulating the regime’s eradication strategy.

13:08 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump responds to Israel’s preemptive strike: “This will only escalate.”

12:30 – Explosions heard in Shiraz, Iran

12:20 – Reports from Iran: Israeli Air Force strikes at Tabriz Airport

12:18 – Israeli Air Force renews strikes in Iran

12:15 – The Air Force confirms a strike on Iran’s central uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, causing severe damage to underground infrastructure and enrichment systems.

12:10 – Mossad releases footage from inside Iran during the covert operation

12:00 – The Defense Minister was informed: most senior IRGC Air Force officials were eliminated while gathered in an underground headquarters.

10:53 – All UAVs launched from Iran were intercepted

10:50 – Home Front Command: No further need to remain near protected areas

10:43 – Mansour Abbas addresses Israel’s Arab citizens:
“Given the unprecedented emergency and security escalation, I urge Arab citizens to exercise heightened caution, stay alert, and fully comply with Home Front Command instructions to protect yourselves and your families.
This situation is unlike any previous conflict or escalation, both in terms of danger and potential deterioration. We must act responsibly, be aware of the risks, and follow all laws and official instructions.
Our Arab society aspires to peace and security, calls for an end to war and conflict, and seeks fair, peaceful solutions that ensure dignity, freedom, and safety for all peoples of the region.”

10:40 – Report: Netanyahu informed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Israel intended to strike Iran

10:30 – Israeli Air Force strikes dozens of radars and SAM launchers in western Iran. Defense Minister: “We will continue to thwart the nuclear program – Iran will be defeated.”

10:00 – IDF Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder: “We exposed progress in Iran’s nuclear project. We are on high alert, prepared to disrupt and remove the threat.”

09:45 – Education Ministry activates an emotional support hotline; Chief Rabbis urge public to avoid gatherings this Shabbat and to pray at home

09:40 – Jordanian media reports sirens across the country due to fears of missile or UAV infiltration

09:35 – El Al cancels all flights due to airspace closure. Passengers offered refunds or vouchers; new bookings suspended through June 30 or until the situation stabilizes

09:30 – Israeli Air Force begins intercepting UAVs launched from Iran

09:25 – Labor Minister signs order to activate essential services during Operation “Am K’Lavi.” Critical workers to continue work despite the emergency

09:10 – Growing assessment: Iranian Air Force Commander also eliminated

09:05 – Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expresses confidence in IDF and security forces, wishes them success in removing the existential threat to Israel

09:00 – IDF reveals: Iranian regime advanced a coordinated plan for Israel’s destruction – via nuclear, missile, and terrorist means – in coordination with Hamas and Hezbollah

08:50 – IDF estimates additional senior Iranians were eliminated; names not yet released

08:45 – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei tweets in Hebrew

08:40 – Large events, including demonstrations and the Pride Parade, canceled

08:30 – Israir relocates aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport due to its closure

08:26 – IDF releases new images from fighter jets during and before the strike

107th Squadron departs for Iran | Photo: IDF Spokesperson
“Adir” fighter jets en route to Iran | Photo: IDF Spokesperson

08:25 – National Security Council updates travel safety instructions for Israelis abroad

08:20 – Israel detects launch of around 100 UAVs from Iran toward Israeli territory

08:02 – IDF: We eliminated the top three military commanders of the Iranian regime

Overnight, more than 200 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate, struck over 100 targets throughout Iran, including hideouts of top Iranian military officials.

Those eliminated include:

  • Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces: Mohammad Hossein Bagheri
  • Commander of the IRGC: Hossein Salami
  • Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Headquarters: Gholam Ali Rashid

07:56 – IDF: Iran launched 100 UAVs toward Israel; interception efforts underway

07:54 – IDF confirms: Iranian Chief of Staff, IRGC Commander, and other senior officials eliminated

Netanyahu: “A successful opening strike – many achievements ahead”

07:30 – Israeli estimate: more than 10 Iranian nuclear scientists eliminated

07:11 – Israeli sources to Al Arabiya: Over 300 strikes carried out

07:03 – Report: Natanz nuclear facility destroyed and “rendered unusable”

06:38 – Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirms severe damage to Natanz site

06:25 – Fars News confirms elimination of Iranian Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri

06:23 – Iran reports: Israeli airstrikes ongoing in Tehran and Ahvaz

Footage from Ichilov Hospital’s underground emergency wing | Photo: Jenny Yerushalmi, Ichilov Spokesperson

Mossad’s “Iranian Beepers Operation”
A senior Israeli security source revealed dramatic details of a secret Mossad operation deep inside Iran, carried out in tandem with Israel’s airstrikes on military and nuclear targets. The operation aimed to disrupt Iran’s strategic capabilities and air defenses with precise, well-coordinated strikes.

According to the report, Mossad agents smuggled special weapons into Iran and planted them near critical sites, including missile systems and air defense installations. These weapons were activated from inside Iran at the onset of the operation, synchronized with Israeli Air Force strikes.

State of Emergency Declared in Israel
Israel declared a special state of emergency on the home front: schools and gatherings were canceled. The U.S. confirmed Israel had provided prior notice and warned Iran not to target American assets. Tehran threatens harsh retaliation against Israel and the United States.

The Prime Minister commented this morning: “We delivered a very successful opening strike, and with God’s help, we will achieve many accomplishments.” He spoke during a situation assessment at IDF Headquarters in Tel Aviv.

Senior Iranian Officials Eliminated in the Strikes
Reports from Iran confirm the strikes inflicted heavy losses on the Islamic Republic’s military and nuclear leadership. Among the casualties are top commanders, security officials, and prominent nuclear scientists.

  • IRGC Commander: Hossein Salami, the IRGC’s supreme commander, was officially confirmed dead. Known as a militant figure, Salami pushed for Iran’s military entrenchment across the Middle East.
  • Chief of Staff: Mohammad Bagheri, head of Iran’s military, was killed. Though early reports were conflicting, officials later confirmed his death. Bagheri oversaw military exercises and strategic planning.
  • Deputy Chief of Staff: Gholam Ali Rashid, Bagheri’s deputy and commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Headquarters, was also killed. A veteran officer, he managed Iran’s ground operations for decades.
  • Nuclear Scientists: Several senior nuclear scientists were also eliminated:
    • Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
    • Abdolhamid Minuchehr, Dean of Nuclear Engineering at Shahid Beheshti University
    • Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, President of Islamic Azad University, who spearheaded advanced nuclear research initiatives

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