In a major blow to Tehran's leadership, Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in an Israeli strike, sources familiar with Israel's military operations and another regional source told Reuters.

Nasirzadeh previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces before becoming Defence Minister. He had started his military career as a fighter pilot. Pakpour had taken command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 2025 after the death of former commander Hossein Salami following earlier Israeli strikes.

Iran's FM condmens the attack

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the attack, claiming Israeli forces targeted civilian areas. In a post on X, he said, "The destroyed building is a primary school for girls in the south of Iran. It was bombed in broad daylight, when packed with young pupils. Dozens of innocent children have been murdered at this site alone. These crimes against the Iranian People will not go unanswered."

Araghchi also quoted an old post by former US President Donald Trump from October 9, 2012, where Trump had criticised Barack Obama and suggested possible action against Iran.

Operation Roaring Lion

The Israel Defense Forces responded, saying in a post on X, "OPERATION ROARING LION: The IDF and the U.S Armed Forces have launched a broad & joint operation to thoroughly degrade the Iranian terrorist regime and to remove existential threats to Israel over time…"

Meanwhile, several countries have called for restraint as tensions rise. Iran has retaliated by targeting Israeli and US assets across Gulf states, with explosions reported in Tehran and other parts of the country.