Israeli Military Claims Strike on IRGC Leadership, Missile Architects and SPND Figures Linked to Iran’s Nuclear and Strategic Weapons Programs
Tel Aviv: In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the Israeli military on Saturday confirmed that it carried out a series of precision airstrikes targeting some of Iran’s most senior security and defence officials, including close advisers to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and individuals allegedly linked to Tehran’s missile and nuclear programs.
According to an official statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, the operation was designed to disrupt what Israel described as Iran’s “strategic command structure” and long-term military planning directed against the Jewish state.
“The strikes were aimed at dismantling Iran’s strategic military coordination and neutralising key figures involved in hostile planning against Israel,” an Israeli military spokesperson said.
Israeli authorities, however, have not provided independent verification regarding casualties. Iranian officials have yet to formally confirm the deaths of any of the named individuals. The situation remains fluid amid mounting tensions across West Asia.
Top Iranian Officials Named Among Targets
Among those identified by Israel was Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a long-time confidant of Khamenei. Israeli sources described him as a central pillar in Tehran’s defence and security decision-making framework.
Also reportedly targeted was Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the IRGC since June 2025. Israeli officials accused Pakpour of orchestrating strategic missile deployments and coordinating operations with Iranian-backed armed groups across multiple regional fronts. He was further alleged to have overseen internal security crackdowns during recent anti-government protests.
Another senior figure named was Salah Asadi, described as head of intelligence within Iran’s emergency command apparatus and a key officer in the General Staff, involved in shaping Iran’s military posture toward both Israel and the United States.
Missile, Military Office and SPND Figures in Focus
The Israeli statement also mentioned Mohammad Shirazi, who had led the military office of the Supreme Leader for decades. He was portrayed as a crucial intermediary between Iran’s armed forces leadership and Khamenei, making him one of the most influential figures in Tehran’s military hierarchy.
Further, Israel identified Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s defence minister and former air force chief, as a target. He was accused of supervising long-range missile production and weapons transfers to allied armed groups in the region. Israeli officials also linked him to oversight of the SPND, an Iranian organization that Israel alleges is involved in advancing projects related to nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.
Additionally, Hossein Jabal Amelian, the current head of SPND, and Reza Mozaffari-Nia, a former director of the agency, were reportedly included in the strike list. Both were accused by Israel of contributing to advanced weapons development programs, including projects allegedly connected to nuclear capabilities.
As of now, there has been no independent confirmation from international monitoring agencies or official Iranian statements regarding casualties. Analysts warn that the developments could significantly heighten instability in the region, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical rivalries involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
