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The Israeli military revealed Sunday, March 1, that it killed approximately 40 senior Iranian commanders "in one minute" during the opening strike of Operation "Roaring Lion," including Chief of General Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Iranians in Farsi, urging them to "take to the streets in millions" and topple the regime.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli jets are now operating in a "stand-in" posture over Tehran's skies and announced an "unceasing air bridge" for powerful strikes on targets in the capital.
The Israeli military said its Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence and in cooperation with the Mossad, struck multiple gathering points across Tehran simultaneously in the opening moments of the operation, killing seven of Iran's most senior security leaders.
"At the start of the operation, the Air Force eliminated approximately 40 key commanders in one minute — a historic strike made possible by precise Military Intelligence," the Israeli army said.
The military confirmed that Mousavi, Iran's chief of general staff, was among those killed.
Mousavi had replaced Mohammed Hossein Bagheri, who was killed in the opening strike of Operation "Rising Lion" in June 2025.
The military said it has "eliminated the majority of the most senior military commanders of the Iranian security defense establishment."
Israel also claimed that it destroyed dozens of air defense systems in western and central Iran, establishing aerial superiority over Tehran's skies.
Netanyahu released a video statement in Farsi directed at the Iranian people, calling on them to seize a "once in a generation" opportunity.
"In the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets of the terrorist regime," Netanyahu said.
"We will create the conditions for the brave people of Iran to free themselves from the chains of tyranny," he added.
"Citizens of Iran, do not miss this opportunity. This is an opportunity that comes only once in a generation. Don't sit idle, because soon your moment will arrive—the moment when you must come to the streets, come to the streets in millions to finish the job, to overthrow the regime of terror that has made your lives bitter," Netanyahu said.
Defense Minister Katz celebrated the killing of Khamenei and said, "The tyrant Khamenei was eliminated in the opening strike of Operation Roaring Lion, along with other senior figures. He who acted to destroy Israel—was destroyed. Justice has been done."
Katz announced that for the first time, Israeli Air Force jets are operating in "stand-in" mode over Tehran's skies in a "powerful strike on regime and oppression targets in the heart of Tehran."
"From now on, an unceasing air bridge will operate for powerful strikes on targets in Tehran," Katz said, indicating a sustained campaign against the capital.
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Israel said two people have been killed and 456 others injured in Iranian retaliatory attacks since Saturday. Army Radio reported 86 people remain hospitalized, including one in serious condition.
A rocket hit central Tel Aviv early Sunday, causing significant material damage.
Israeli journalists shared videos showing large fires and dozens of burning cars at the impact site.
Israeli authorities have imposed a strict media blackout on the results of Iranian attacks, warning the public against publishing videos of casualties or revealing targeted locations.
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