Israel has launched a new wave of airstrikes deep into Iranian territory, targeting important military assets in the northwestern city of Tabriz and the southern city of Shiraz, according to Iranian media reports.
Tasnim News Agency claimed that Tabriz was attacked late Friday, with early reports indicating that an airport and surrounding air bases were among the targets. Simultaneously, allegations circulated that the Israeli Air Force had targeted a missile production plant in Shiraz.
However, Iranian authorities have yet to issue a full statement. Local emergency services have been deployed, and flights in and out of Tabriz International Airport have reportedly been suspended.
Earlier on Friday morning a series of Israeli airstrikes struck Tehran resulting in the martyrdom of several senior Iranian officials, including key personnel from the IRGC and nuclear program.
IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami and Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters Commander Major General Gholamali Rashid were among those murdered.
Their passing is a serious setback for Iran’s military leadership.
Two of Iran’s most well-known nuclear scientists were also killed in the attacks: Fereydoon Abbasi, the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, the president of Islamic Azad University. Iran’s scientific and nuclear research community relied heavily on both individuals.
According to reports, the Israeli airstrikes killed a number of civilians by hitting different targets in Tehran, including residential buildings.
The increased security situation is further highlighted by the fact that all flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport have been suspended as a result of the attack.
The strikes come just two days ahead of a scheduled new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, raising concerns over escalating tensions in the region.
