Israeli Military Claims Strikes Destroyed 60% of Iran's Missile Launchers, 40 Senior Officials Killed

Gate News message, April 18 — Israeli Defense Force spokesperson Efi Defrin disclosed details of military operations against Iran on the evening of April 17, stating that Israeli forces carried out "systematic" strikes that destroyed approximately 60% of Iran's ballistic missile launch systems.

In initial strikes, Israeli forces targeted key Iranian facilities in Tehran, including the office building of Iran's Supreme Leader, the Defense Committee building, and a high-level intelligence department meeting location. According to Defrin, 40 senior Iranian officials were reported killed in the first wave of attacks. Israeli warplanes conducted strikes on 500 Iranian targets, with 200 aircraft participating in the operation.

Israeli forces also struck Iran's strategic defense systems and established air superiority over Tehran, securing air dominance within the first 24 hours of operations.