Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it struck the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the headquarters of the Israeli Air Force commander in a missile attack. The development comes amid a sharp escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint strike by Israel and the United States. Israeli authorities have not issued an immediate response. No injuries were reported in the strikes, while Netanyahu’s whereabouts remained unclear at the time of reporting.
IRGC’s Claim
- The IRGC said the attack was carried out using Kheybar Shekan ballistic missiles.
- It described the operation as part of its 10th wave of strikes.
- The group said the office of the Israeli Prime Minister and the Air Force commander’s location were both targeted.
Retaliation After Khamenei’s Killing
- The strike was presented by Iran as retaliation for Khamenei’s assassination.
- Iran has said it considers revenge for the killing a national duty.
- The escalation followed joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February.
Wider Regional Escalation
- Iran also claimed attacks on several Gulf countries on the same day.
- It further claimed to have shot down an American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait.
- The conflict has raised concerns over wider regional stability and possible spillover.
Political and Security Context
- The strike took place during a period of heightened tension over nuclear negotiations.
- Iran had earlier warned that any attack on it would trigger strikes on Israel.
- Fake social media claims about Netanyahu fleeing to Germany were denied by Israeli officials.