Not Just Khamenei, These High-Profile Iranian Leaders Have Also Been Killed In US-Israel Strikes

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 15:08 IST

Senior commanders and officials such as the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, key defence ministers, military chiefs, and top advisers are also reported killed

A series of coordinated airstrikes by Israeli and US forces has targeted the heart of Iran’s political and military leadership, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials—most notable among them being Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s top authority since 1989. Alongside him, senior commanders and officials such as the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), key defence ministers, military chiefs, and top advisers were also reported killed while attending leadership meetings or at strategic locations.

Here are the names confirmed so far:

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—Supreme Leader of Iran: The highest authority in the Islamic Republic, he led the country since 1989. Khamenei was confirmed killed in joint US–Israeli airstrikes on February 28 and his death has created a major leadership vacuum in Tehran.

Abdolrahim Mousavi—Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces: The senior military commander responsible for coordinating Iran’s armed forces was killed during the opening phase of the strikes, marking a significant blow to Iran’s defence hierarchy.

Aziz Nasirzadeh—Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics: Iran’s top defence official was targeted and killed in the coordinated strikes, according to military sources.

Ali Shamkhani—Senior Security Adviser and Defence Council Secretary: A close advisor to the Supreme Leader and key security figure, Shamkhani was killed alongside other top officials.

Mohammad Pakpour—Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces: The head of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard’s ground command was confirmed dead in the attacks.

Mohammad Shirazi—Head of the Military Office of the Supreme Leader: Brigadier General Shirazi, who coordinated military relations for the Supreme Leader, was killed in the opening strikes on Tehran.

Hossein Jabal Amelian—Chairman of the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research: A veteran IRGC officer involved in defence research and weapons development, Jabal Amelian was also killed during the strikes.

Reza Mozaffari-Nia—Former Chairman of SPND (Strategic Defence Research Organisation): Reported among the senior officials eliminated in the coordinated attack, Mozaffari-Nia held a significant role in Iran’s research and defence structure.

Saleh Asadi—Head of Intelligence, Khatem al-Anbiya Command: A senior intelligence figure within Iran’s military architecture, Asadi was reported killed, according to military sources.

News world Not Just Khamenei, These High-Profile Iranian Leaders Have Also Been Killed In US-Israel Strikes

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