In a major blow to Iran’s intelligence system, Israel has confirmed killing four top Iranian officials in recent airstrikes. These strikes, carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), have deepened the conflict between the two nations.
Senior Iranian Figures Eliminated
Israel revealed that the attack killed Mohammad Kazemi, the chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organisation, along with his deputy Mohammad Hassan Mohaqiq. Also among the dead were Mohsen Bakri, head of Quds Force Intelligence, and his deputy Abu al-Fadl Nikouei.
These four men were considered key players in Iran’s intelligence and security strategy. They were allegedly involved in coordinating operations against Israel, its allies, and regional opponents.
Confirmations from Iran and Israel
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency confirmed the deaths of Kazemi and Mohaqiq. Meanwhile, reports stated that Bakri died in another Israeli strike on Sunday in Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced the deaths of the two senior IRGC leaders.
These attacks came shortly after the killing of Iran’s Armed Forces Intelligence Chief last Friday, further weakening Tehran's military intelligence setup.
Fighting Escalates Between Israel and Iran
The back-and-forth attacks have continued for three straight days. Iran launched dozens of rockets at Israel, while Israel carried out fresh airstrikes in various parts of Iran. Israeli officials reported 14 deaths so far. In contrast, Iran’s state media claimed 224 people, mostly civilians, have died since Friday.
On Sunday, Iran fired daytime missiles at Israel for the first time. One missile hit a building in Haifa, injuring four people. So far, the total number of injured in Israel stands at 15.
Due to the ongoing rocket attacks, residents in the north and south of Israel had taken shelter in bunkers. However, after the latest round of attacks caused only minor damage, authorities allowed them to step out.
Night Blaze in Tehran, Energy Sites Targeted
Photos and videos from Tehran showed a massive fire lighting up the night sky. Reports said Israeli airstrikes hit oil and gas facilities in the city. These attacks added to the mounting tension and chaos in Iran’s capital.
Nuclear Talks Cancelled Amid Tensions
The rising hostilities also impacted diplomacy. The U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, which were set for Sunday, got cancelled. According to a U.S. official, former President Donald Trump had earlier rejected Israel’s plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This revelation has added another layer to the already intense situation.