High-Profile Iranian IRGC Intelligence Officers Killed in Israeli Airstrikes
In a significant escalation, Israel's military strikes on Tehran have resulted in the deaths of three senior intelligence officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Among those killed are Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi, the IRGC intelligence chief, his deputy Hassan Mohaqiq, and a third officer, Mohsen Bagheri.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Evacuated Amid Rising Tensions
Amid these targeted airstrikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was swiftly evacuated to an underground bunker located in the northeastern part of Tehran. Khamenei sought shelter alongside his family at the Lavizan facility, mirroring previous bunker retreats during earlier confrontations in April and October 2024.
Sources suggest that Israel deliberately refrained from targeting Khamenei during the initial phase of the operation, providing an opportunity for Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment program. Israeli officials hope this tactical patience may influence Tehran’s future actions.
Scope of Israeli Military Operations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed they carried out a comprehensive wave of airstrikes across Iran, focusing on dismantling the country's weapons manufacturing infrastructure. These strikes specifically targeted facilities linked to the IRGC, including the elite Quds Force, and broader elements of Iran’s armed forces.
- Numerous weapons production sites were hit during coordinated strikes.
- The attacks aimed at crippling Iran’s ability to develop advanced military technology.
Iranian UAV Assault Intercepted by Israeli Forces
In retaliation, Iranian forces deployed over 100 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting Israeli territory. However, the IDF confirmed that all drones were successfully intercepted, underscoring Israel’s robust air defense capabilities.
"Iran sent more than 100 UAVs at Israel. We intercepted them," the IDF stated via official channels.
Civilian Impact and Emergency Response
The recent barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles caused injuries among civilians in Israel. Medical services reported a total of eight individuals injured, including a person moderately wounded in Haifa and several others lightly affected in nearby towns.
Additionally, medical teams treated nine people for acute anxiety triggered by the missile impacts, reflecting the psychological toll of ongoing hostilities.
Discovery of Israeli Drone Factory Within Iran
In a surprising development, Iranian security agencies uncovered a three-story building identified as an Israeli drone manufacturing facility located deep inside Iran’s territory. This finding, reported by IRGC-linked sources, adds a new dimension to the covert technological warfare between the two nations.
What’s Next?
With tensions sharply escalating, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East faces heightened uncertainty. Both sides appear entrenched, signaling potential further confrontations.
