Video depicts building ablaze in West Tehran after Israeli strikes

Chances are increasing that Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri and senior nuclear scientists have been killed in the first stage of the Israeli airstrikes, Israel's Channel 12 reported citing a security source.

A video published by the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News shows a building destroyed in the Israeli airstrikes against Narmak in eastern Tehran.

"In addition to extensive strikes by the Israeli Air Force, Mossad has also led a series of covert counter-terrorism operations deep inside Iran in order to damage Iran's strategic missile array and air defense capabilities," Axios reported citing an Israeli official.

Senior Israeli leaders have been transferred to a safe location, Axios reported citing Israeli officials, amid fears of an Iranian counterstrike.

"Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement issued by the White House.

"Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners," he added.

"Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel."