(NewsNation) — Israel launched an attack on Iran on Friday, which resulted in a major blow to Iran's military chain of command.

The strikes targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic weapon, killing at least three top military leaders and six nuclear scientists.

At least 20 senior Iranian commanders, including Aerospace Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, were killed in the strikes, two regional sources told Reuters.

© The Hill