Iran’s newly appointed Defence Chief, Majid Ebnelreza, has been reported killed in Israeli airstrikes, just a couple of days after he replaced his equally slain predecessor Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh.
This follows earlier reports that both Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour were believed killed in strikes on Saturday.
The deaths of top Iranian leaders come after the United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran.
The strikes described as one of the most extensive air campaigns in decades hit military and strategic sites across the country.
They also reportedly damaged areas near the offices of the killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The attacks that took out Majid Ebnelreza are part of a large-scale US-Israel military operation targeting Iran’s military and strategic sites, described as one of the most extensive air campaigns in decades, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.
Earlier reports indicated that Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour may also have been among the casualties.
US President Donald Trump called the operation, named Operation Epic Fury, a preventive measure against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes aim to support Iranians in shaping their country’s future.
The attacks follow the collapse of diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program. US officials said Iran refused demands to halt uranium enrichment and claims to possess enough material to produce several nuclear bombs. Iran maintains its program is peaceful.
In retaliation, Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting Israel, US military bases in the Gulf, and civilian areas, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The violence has also disrupted global energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.
