Trump claims 'massive strike' in Tehran ‘terminated' multiple Iranian military leaders

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump claimed that a “massive” strike in Tehran had killed several of Iran’s top military leaders. The announcement was made in a post on Truth Social, accompanied by a video that appeared to show multiple explosions illuminating the night sky over Iran’s capital.

The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on February 28, targeting Iran’s political and military establishment after negotiations over its nuclear program failed. The Trump administration has also stated that the “objectives are nearing completion” and that the operation could continue for a few weeks.

Trump claims massive strike in Tehran killed Iranian military leaders

Trump posted a 67-second video showing a barrage of missiles striking Tehran, with multiple large explosions followed by smaller blasts. The footage captured the night sky illuminated by the strikes, while the faint sound of fighter jets could be heard in the background.

A woman can be heard shouting in the aftermath of one strike, while the faint whir of fighter jets is audible in the background. “Many of Iran’s Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran!,” Trump captioned the video.

Trump shared the footage just hours after warning Iran that its “time is running out” to either strike a deal or fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said Tehran now has 48 hours to comply, or the US military will begin targeting the country’s power plants one by one.

“Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!” Trump said. Shortly thereafter, Reuters reported that Israel is preparing to strike Iranian energy facilities “but is awaiting a green light” from the Trump administration.

Since the war began, 13 American service members have been killed, compared with roughly 3,500 Iranians. Despite the stark disparity in casualties, critics such as David Brooks of The Atlantic argue that the US is “losing every day” the conflict drags on.

Speaking on PBS on Friday, April 3, Brooks said NATO is in “shreds” and that global economies are “in crisis.”

Iran rejects Trump threat to destroy power plants as tensions escalate

Iran’s central military command on Saturday rejected Trump’s threat to destroy the country’s critical infrastructure if it fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, speaking in a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, described the warning as “a helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action.” Echoing the religious tone of Trump’s social media post, he added that “the simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will open for you.”

On March 21, Trump first threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the strait was not reopened within 48 hours. He later softened his stance, announcing on March 23 that he would delay the ultimatum by five days following “very good and productive conversations” with Iranian officials. The deadline was subsequently pushed again to April 6, which he said came at Iran’s request.

Meanwhile, for the seventh time on Saturday, missiles launched from Iran triggered air raid sirens across multiple cities and towns in Israel. Fire and Rescue authorities reported responding to two sites in East Jerusalem where buildings were damaged in the latest barrage, though it was not immediately clear whether the impact was caused by missile fragments or interceptor debris.

Israel’s military said its air defense systems were activated to intercept the incoming projectiles. Hezbollah also continued launching rockets toward communities in northern Israel on Saturday; most were intercepted, with no casualties reported.