Israel targeted senior Iranian political and military figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, in the latest strikes, Axios news agency reported on Saturday.

A senior U.S. official confirmed to the news outlet that Israel conducted air strikes against Iranian senior commanders and political leaders.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that assessments in Tel Aviv indicated a strong likelihood that Ali Shamkhani, Mr Khamenei’s advisor who is responsible for Iran’s nuclear programme, had been eliminated.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry moved quickly to push back on some reports, saying Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in good health.

Iranian authorities issued no official confirmation of any deaths.

Israel and U.S. announced early on Saturday a joint operation against Iran, citing “threats” posed by the “Iranian regime.”

The attacks come as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. 

A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

Last June, the U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Israel-Iran war. 

(NAN/AA)