IRGC chief, defense minister killed in opening strikes sources say

Israel says it has killed many senior military officials.

The IDF publishes new footage showing strikes against Iranian soldiers preparing missiles and against a primed launcher in western Iran.

The military says it has neutralized “many” ballistic missile launchers that were ready for immediate attacks on Israel.

In addition, the Israeli Air Force struck soldiers in Iran’s ballistic missile unit as they were arming a launcher in western Iran, the military says.

Meanwhile, Iranians celebrate Israeli, US strikes after months of increased repression from regime

One video showed people dancing in the street, while another showed young Iranian men shouting “I love Trump” as smoke is seen billowing from a nearby strike.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says its strikes in Tehran targeted locations where senior political and security figures were gathered.

In a statement, the IDF says it had prepared for the operation with a months-long plan, focusing its military intelligence agency’s efforts to seize an opportunity when Iran’s ruling elites assembled.

It also says that striking in the morning rather than overnight achieved “tactical surprise”.

The IDF is now assessing the results of the strike, the statement adds.