REPORT: At Least 40 Senior Iranian Military Commanders Were Killed In Saturday’s Strikes

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is estimating that at least 40 senior Iranian military commanders were killed in Saturday’s joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and leadership targets on Saturday morning.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” in the United States, commenced in the early morning hours local time in Iran.

The primary focus of the attacks included military command and control facilities associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), air defense systems, missile production and launch sites, military airfields, and locations linked to remnants of Iran’s nuclear program. Strikes occurred in multiple cities and regions, notably Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

In Tehran, initial attacks targeted areas near the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as defense ministry buildings and intelligence facilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as intended to eliminate threats posed by the Iranian regime, destroy its ballistic missile capabilities, and prevent the development of nuclear weapons, stating that the strikes would continue as required. Israeli officials indicated that the operation had been planned over several months, with leadership targeting as a key element.

Several reports from Israeli and U.S. sources with knowledge of the operation indicated that upwards of 40 senior Iranian military leaders were killed in the strikes Among those reported killed were Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh, IRGC Commander General Mohammad Pakpour, and Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader and former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Additional casualties included four senior intelligence commanders: Javad Pourhossein, head of foreign intelligence; Mohammad-Reza Bajestani, head of security; Ali Kheirandish, head of counterterrorism; and Saeed Ehya Hamidi, an advisor on conflict with Israel.

President Trump and Israeli officials confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in one of the strikes, citing intelligence and damage to his compound.

Overall casualty figures from Iranian sources, including the Red Crescent, reported over 200 deaths from the broader strikes, with injuries in the hundreds.

In response, Iran launched retaliatory ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. military bases across the region. These included strikes or attempted strikes on facilities in Bahrain (near the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters), Kuwait, Qatar (including Al Udeid Air Base), the United Arab Emirates (with explosions reported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, causing some civilian injuries from debris), Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Jordan.

Air defense systems in Israel intercepted many incoming projectiles, though some impacts occurred, triggering sirens nationwide. At least one fatality has been confirmed in Israel after a ballistic missile struck a residential building

The operations led to widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. As of this report, military actions remain ongoing, with President Trump indicating continued U.S. involvement. The president IRGC members to stand down while offering potential immunity.