Iran army chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri killed in “Israeli” attack: state TV

Iranian state television reported the death of Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, following an “Israeli” airstrike.

Read more: Live updates | 'Israel' strikes Iran: Top commanders killed, retaliation looms

Early Friday, 'Israel' launched a large-scale military offensive on Iran, striking key nuclear and military targets, including the Natanz enrichment facility. The strikes killed several top Iranian military and nuclear scientists, including IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami and scientists Tehranchi and Abbasi.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei condemned the attack as a “bloody and criminal act,” vowing severe retaliation. Civilian casualties were reported, with airstrikes hitting residential areas in Tehran.

'Israel' declared a state of emergency, closed its airspace, and warned citizens of potential Iranian retaliation. A second wave of airstrikes reportedly followed.

The US distanced itself from the attack, warning Iran not to target American assets. Global markets reacted sharply, with oil prices surging and stocks falling amid fears of broader regional conflict.