Growing signs point to the possible deaths of several top Iranian officials following reported Israeli-U.S. military strikes on Iran, including the country’s defense minister and the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, according to international media reports.
Reuters cited two sources familiar with Israel’s military operations against Iran, as well as a third regional source, as saying there is a belief that Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guard commander Mohammad Pakpour were killed in the attacks. There has been no official confirmation from Tehran regarding their fate.
Separately, the U.S. network CNN published satellite images showing smoke rising from a compound associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with visible structural damage to buildings within the complex.
However, Iranian state television announced that Khamenei is expected to appear in a televised address later on Saturday, in what could be a move aimed at projecting continuity of leadership amid mounting uncertainty.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC that while Iran may have lost some commanders, the country’s defensive capacity remains intact.
“We may have lost some leaders, but this is not a major problem. We have no limits when it comes to defending ourselves,” Araghchi said.
The reported strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions, with potential implications for regional stability and global security. Independent verification of the claims remains limited as developments continue to unfold.
