Reports: Iran Army Chief Gen. Amir Hatami killed in massive Israeli strikes on Tehran

Tehran: Israeli media reported Saturday that Gen. Amir Hatami, the commander-in-chief of the Iranian army, was killed in a series of Israeli strikes across Iran, though officials in Tehran have not confirmed the death.

The military operation, which began Feb. 28, reportedly targeted multiple sites in the Iranian capital. Witnesses reported hearing explosions throughout Tehran, with additional blasts noted in several other locations across the country.

Following the initial Israeli missile attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States had launched “major combat operations” in Iran.

In a video statement shared on social media, Trump confirmed the U.S. military's active involvement. "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," he said, adding that the mission aimed to dismantle Iran's missile industry and naval capabilities.

In response to the strikes, Iranian officials warned of imminent retaliation. One official told Reuters that the country’s move “will be crushing.”

The operation, characterised by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz as a "preemptive attack" to neutralise imminent threats, triggered massive explosions throughout Tehran. Witnesses reported smoke rising from several districts, including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.