TEHRAN — Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in Israeli attacks, Reuters reported Saturday, citing two sources familiar with Israel’s military operations and one regional source.Explosions rocked Tehran early in the day, with columns of smoke rising over parts of the capital as the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.The attacks triggered fear and panic across the country, with long queues forming at gas stations and many residents leaving major cities in search of safety, witnesses said.Iran’s top security body warned that attacks could continue in Tehran and other cities and urged residents to travel elsewhere if possible to remain safe. Schools and universities were ordered closed until further notice.Security forces blocked roads in parts of Tehran housing the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and parliament, witnesses said.The strikes followed a round of negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva on Thursday that failed to produce a breakthrough over Tehran’s nuclear program, despite Omani mediators reporting progress.Western governments have long suspected Iran of seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, an allegation Tehran has consistently denied.In several cities, residents rushed to buy hard currency, while others reported difficulties withdrawing cash from ATMs.US President Donald Trump said the operation would eliminate what he described as a security threat and offer Iranians a chance to change their leadership.The Pentagon said the US component of the strikes was named “Operation Epic Fury.”The latest escalation comes eight months after last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, during which the United States bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
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