The Israeli Defense Forces on Thursday said it had killed a senior Iranian missile commander during an airstrike in western Iran, as hostilities between the two sides continue to intensify.
In a statement, the Israeli military identified the official as Makram Azimi, describing him as the head of missile forces in Kermanshah province. According to the army, Azimi was responsible for overseeing missile operations in the area, including coordinating multiple ballistic missile launches directed at Israel.
The military further claimed that Azimi played a central role in orchestrating dozens of missile attacks against Israeli territory since the escalation of the conflict. It said the strike was part of ongoing efforts to degrade Iran’s offensive capabilities and disrupt its command structure.
In addition to Azimi’s reported death, the Israeli army said a separate strike targeted the same missile unit, killing several battalion commanders allegedly involved in launch operations. The military did not immediately provide independent verification of the claims, and there has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the incident.
The development marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has seen sustained exchanges of airstrikes and missile attacks between both sides in recent weeks.
The crisis intensified on February 28 when the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched a large-scale air offensive targeting Iranian military and strategic infrastructure. Since then, more than 1,340 people have reportedly been killed, including Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes using drones and ballistic missiles, targeting not only Israel but also neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Iraq, as well as Gulf states hosting U.S. military installations.
These attacks have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted key sectors including global markets and international aviation, further heightening concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.
Military analysts say that targeting senior commanders could significantly impact Iran’s operational coordination, though the country’s decentralised military structure may allow it to continue launching attacks despite leadership losses.
As tensions remain high, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, amid growing fears that the conflict could escalate into a broader and more prolonged confrontation across the Middle East.
