03:15⇢IRGC Chief Killed in Israeli Bombardment
⌨The newspapers report on a major Israeli military operation against Iran that killed top Revolutionary Guard commanders, including IRGC Chief Hossein Salami and Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command chief Gholamali Rashid (BBC Persian, VOA Persian, Radio Farda). Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed "Operation Rising Lion" targeted Iran's nuclear enrichment program and will continue for days to eliminate Iran's threat to destroy Israel (BBC Persian, Shargh Daily). The strikes hit multiple cities including Tehran, Kermanshah, and Lorestan, with air defense systems repeatedly activated over the capital (Hamshahri Online, Shargh Daily). Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei issued an immediate response promising "severe punishment" for Israel, declaring the regime has prepared "a bitter and painful fate" for itself (Khabar Online, Mehr News, Tasnim News). Former atomic energy chief Fereydoun Abbasi and Islamic Azad University president Mehdi Tehranchian were also reportedly killed in the bombardment (BBC Persian). Israel declared a state of emergency while regional forces announced widespread alert status (Al-Alam News Network, Shargh Daily).