Israeli army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated in a televised address that since the beginning of the operation, “approximately half” of Iran’s missile stockpiles have been destroyed.
Defrin added that the production of at least 1,500 additional missiles had also been prevented, alleging that Iran produces dozens of ballistic missiles per month and had planned to increase that capacity to the hundreds.
40 senior Iranian military officials killed
Israel also announced that 40 senior Iranian military officials have been killed since Saturday. The statement said that “the vast majority of senior commanders responsible for Iran’s security have been neutralized.” The Israeli army further claimed that most of Iran’s air defense systems in the western and central regions had been “dismantled,” paving the way for air superiority over Tehran’s airspace.
Confirmed high-level officials killed
Following the attacks launched by Israel and the United States, the highest-ranking Iranian officials whose deaths have been confirmed are as follows:
Ali Khamenei: Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1989 (his death was confirmed by state television on Sunday morning).
According to Iranian media, Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild were also killed in the attacks.
Ali Shamkhani: Advisor to Khamenei and Secretary of the Defense Council.
Abdolrahim Mousavi: Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Mohammad Pakpour: Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Aziz Nasirzadeh: Minister of Defense.
Gholamreza Rezaiyan: Head of the police intelligence units.
Alert in the Strait of Hormuz
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center announced “intense military activity” in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea, and around the Strait of Hormuz. The institution stated that maritime security in the region is highly unstable and that risks for commercial vessels have increased.
UKMTO warned mariners in particular about the risk of miscalculation and misidentification due to the concentration of military assets in the area.
Missiles fired toward Cyprus
UK Defence Secretary John Healey told the BBC that, as part of Iran’s retaliatory actions, “two ballistic missiles were fired toward Cyprus.” Healey said they do not believe the missiles were directly targeting the island.
The minister added that British fighter jets participated in “defensive operations” via the UK base in Cyprus and another base in Qatar.
Political transition process in Iran
Following the death of Ali Khamenei, the political transition process in Iran has accelerated. State media announced that Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, director of Iran’s Islamic seminaries, has been appointed to a three-member council that will oversee the transition period.
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