According to military sources cited by international media, Israel used Blue Sparrow ballistic missiles in an attack on the compound of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killing him and many high-ranking officials on March 1, 2026, during a campaign named Operation Epic Fury.
Missiles launched from fighter jets
According to reports, the Israeli Air Force deployed F-15 fighter jets that took off at approximately 7:30 AM Iran time. About two hours later, these aircraft launched approximately 30 missiles targeting the compound where Khamenei was present with many senior leaders.
Among them was the Blue Sparrow, a long-range missile designed to fly out of the Earth's atmosphere before re-entering and plunging toward the target at extremely high speeds.
Ability to bypass defense systems
The Blue Sparrow has a range of about 1,240 miles (nearly 2,000 km). Due to its ability to fly near the edge of space before re-entering the atmosphere, this missile is considered very difficult for air defense systems to detect and intercept.
According to Israeli sources, the strike was so powerful that debris was found in western Iraq. This is seen as a crushing blow against a terrorist regime that Tel Aviv had carefully prepared.
Diversionary tactics before the attack
An Israeli defense official stated that the military intentionally created the impression that forces were pausing for the weekend to lower Iran's guard.
Previously released images and information showed many high-ranking officers leaving bases to prepare for Shabbat dinner, but in reality, military leaders had returned to the command center to prepare for the attack.
Targeting senior Iranian leaders
According to reports, the timing of the attack was adjusted to coincide with a meeting of many senior Iranian leaders, causing the airstrike to inflict massive damage on the leadership apparatus.
During the attack, Israeli forces were also reported to have disrupted telecommunication towers around the target area to prevent early warnings.
Campaign context
Military sources suggest the operation was carried out amid concerns over Iran's nuclear program and the increase in its ballistic missile production.
The attack has become one of the most significant developments in the escalating conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran.
