U.S. and Israeli officials say at least 40 senior Iranian military commanders were killed in Saturday morning strikes.
Operation and targets
The operation, called “Operation Epic Fury” in the United States, began in the early morning hours local time in Iran.
The attacks focused on IRGC command and control facilities, air defense systems, missile production and launch sites, military airfields, and locations linked to remnants of Iran’s nuclear program.
Strikes were reported across multiple cities and regions including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.
Leadership losses and named casualties
U.S. and Israeli sources with knowledge of the operation reported that upwards of 40 senior Iranian military leaders were killed.
Those reported killed included 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 identified in reporting.
Several reports, including one report, list specific senior officers killed.
Supreme Leader and overall toll
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.
Iranian sources, including the Red Crescent, reported over 200 deaths and said injuries numbered in the hundreds from the broader strikes.
Retaliation and regional exchanges
In response, Iran launched retaliatory ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. military bases across the region.
Those counterstrikes reportedly included strikes or attempted strikes on facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar including Al Udeid Air Base, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Jordan.
Air defense systems in Israel intercepted many incoming projectiles while some impacts occurred and at least one fatality was confirmed after a ballistic missile struck a residential building.
Current status and U.S. posture
Widespread airspace closures followed the exchanges and military actions remained ongoing as of this report.
President Trump said the operation was intended to eliminate threats posed by the Iranian regime, destroy ballistic missile capabilities, and prevent nuclear development, and he indicated continued U.S. involvement.
The president called on IRGC members to stand down while offering potential immunity as part of efforts to limit further escalation.
