Iran’s Key Leaders in Israel’s Crosshairs.. A Secret Pager-Style Operation?

Israel could consider a covert operation targeting key Iranian military and security officials if the United States and Israel launch fresh strikes against Iran, according to international media reports. Citing remarks by Oded Eilam, former Deputy Head of Mossad’s Global Operations, the reports suggest that Israel may explore a strategy similar to the 2024 pager explosions that targeted Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon. The possibility of using communication devices such as pagers and walkie-talkies in a similar operation has also been discussed. However, there has been no official confirmation that such an operation is currently underway.

According to the reports, Eilam identified four Iranian military and security figures as influential power centres: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Ahmad Vahidi, Basij commander Hossein Taeb, military official Ali Abdollahi and Mohsen Rezaee. The reports also point to differences within Iran’s leadership over a possible agreement with Washington and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, claims that 75,000 people were killed during Iran’s January protests have not been reliably verified. A UK government report cited estimates of approximately 12,000 to 20,000 deaths, while a human rights agency had confirmed 6,221 deaths by January 28, 2026.