Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Sunday the deaths of seven senior air force commanders following an Israeli airstrike, as reported by the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency. The officers were killed during an Israeli aerial bombardment targeting Iranian military infrastructure on Friday.

Among the deceased were high-ranking officials, including Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, along with Mahmoud Bagheri, Davoud Sheikhian, Mohammad Bagher Taherpour, Mansour Safarpour, Masoud Tayeb, Khosrow Hosseini, and Javad Jarsara, all holding brigade-level ranks.

Since the outbreak of direct hostilities between Iran and Israel on Friday, Iranian health authorities confirmed that 78 civilians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the country, in addition to military and nuclear personnel.

In response to Iran’s missile attacks, Israel’s Health Ministry reported 15 dead and 385 injured, with seven in critical condition.

The conflict escalated when over 100 Israeli fighter jets launched a pre-dawn assault on Tehran and other cities, striking nuclear facilities, weapons production centers, and air defense systems. The attack reportedly killed multiple senior military figures and nuclear scientists.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared the operation a success, stating, “Our attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military infrastructure was powerful and effective.” He warned that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was “dragging Tehran toward a Beirut-like fate,” referencing widespread destruction and civilian harm.

Amid the escalating violence, Iranian state television advised citizens to take refuge in mosques, schools, metro stations, and underground tunnels during Israeli airstrikes. The guidance underscored growing concerns over civilian safety as retaliatory strikes continue.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and cabinet ministers visited affected areas in Tel Aviv and other cities hit by Iranian missiles overnight. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai confirmed at least six dead and 200 injured in the capital alone, with casualties expected to rise as assessments continue.

Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes came in waves, targeting Tel Aviv and surrounding regions, marking one of the most severe escalations in the long-standing shadow war between the two nations.

The conflict has drawn global attention, with fears of further regional destabilization. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions are underway, but both sides remain on high alert as military exchanges persist.