ISLAMABAD (PEN) : A wave of Israeli airstrikes early Friday reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials and prominent nuclear scientists, in what marks one of the most consequential escalations in the Iran-Israel conflict in recent years.
Senior IRGC Commanders Among the Dead
According to Iranian state media, the strikes claimed the lives of *Major General Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and **Major General Gholamali Rashid*, head of the Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters—one of Iran’s top military operational centers.
Both generals were central to Iran’s strategic military command structure and had long been key figures in Iran’s defense planning.
Loss of Prominent Nuclear Scientists
Also killed in the airstrikes were two leading figures in Iran’s nuclear and academic sectors:
Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi*, President of Islamic Azad University
Fereydoon Abbasi*, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
The scientists were known for their involvement in advancing Iran’s nuclear research and scientific development. Their deaths are considered a significant blow to Iran’s technical and scientific capabilities.
Targets Spanned Across Tehran
The Israeli strikes reportedly hit multiple sites across Tehran, including military installations and residential areas. Several civilian casualties have also been reported, although official numbers have not yet been released. Local media confirmed that explosions were heard throughout the capital during the early morning hours.
Due to the security situation, *Imam Khomeini International Airport* has suspended all flights, adding to public anxiety and operational disruptions in the Iranian capital.
Escalation Ahead of U.S.-Iran Talks
The timing of the strikes is particularly notable, occurring just two days before Iran and the United States were scheduled to resume nuclear negotiations. Analysts suggest the attack could derail diplomatic efforts and further heighten tensions in an already volatile region.
As Iran mourns its fallen leaders and scientists, officials have vowed a strong response, and regional actors remain on high alert.