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The United States and Israel have reportedly targeted Iran’s top military leaders in a conflict that entered its third day, with Iranian forces retaliating by killing at least nine Israelis and three American military officers, while seriously wounding 11 others.
Among the Iranian officials said to have been killed are Ali Shamkhani, Senior Advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; Mohammed Pakpour, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Amir Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defence; and Saleh Asadi, Senior Intelligence Official and Head of Emergency Command Intelligence.
Other high-ranking figures reportedly killed include Hossein Jabal Amelian, Head of the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND, Nuclear Research), and Reza Mozaffari-Nia, former Head of SPND.
Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Killed in Airstrikes
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known for his hardline stance and confrontational rhetoric, was reportedly killed during Israeli airstrikes on Saturday while under house arrest.
According to media reports, including the Israeli outlet Ma’ariv, quoted by the NY Post, Ahmadinejad was targeted at his residence. The Israeli War Room cited Iranian media reports confirming his death. “Former president of Iran’s regime, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was eliminated, per Iranian media. Ahmadinejad was sanctioned by the US in 2023 for his involvement in the wrongful detention of Americans,” the report said.
Iranian Retaliation Hits Israel and Gulf States
In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, killing at least nine people and injuring 27, according to emergency services. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reportedly shut down air traffic in response to the escalation.
One person was killed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and a death was also reported in Kuwait. Dozens more have been injured across the region.
Ballistic missiles and drones have been used by Iran to strike US allies and assets across the Gulf, following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in the US-Israel air offensive that began Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on X that missiles were fired directly toward Beit Shemesh, “killing innocent civilians.”
A synagogue where people had sought shelter from air raids was reportedly hit, leaving the building destroyed. Rescuers combed through rubble for survivors amid twisted metal, broken concrete, and a large crater. Cars nearby were also destroyed. Police say 11 people remain missing. Magen David Adom paramedic Dror Eini described the scene: “We saw destroyed homes, flames and smoke rising from residential buildings, wrecked cars, and significant chaos.”
US Military Losses
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deaths of three American military officers, with 11 others seriously wounded, as part of Operation Epic Fury. A CENTCOM statement said:
“Three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty.”
Earlier reports claimed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards hit the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles in the Gulf. CENTCOM denied any damage, stating:
“The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.”
Regional and Civilian Impact
The conflict has caused massive disruptions in air travel, with at least 19,000 flights delayed or canceled since the outbreak of hostilities, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
In Iran, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been appointed to a three-member temporary Leadership Council following the reported death of Ali Khamenei. The country has declared 40 days of mourning and seven public holidays in response to the crisis.
