Iran confirmed that a joint operation during the U.S.–Israeli air campaign had killed several of its top leaders in a massive strike across Tehran and other cities.
The IRNA agency stated that among the senior Iranian officials were the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, and the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The supreme leader had ruled Iran since 1989 and was among the Islamist activists who played a central role in the 1979 revolution.
In addition, he had the authority of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh was also killed on Saturday during the US-Israel attacks on Iran.
Others who were killed during the attack include: IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, security adviser Ali Shamkhani, Former Chairman of the SPND Reza Mozaffari-Nia, and the current chairman of SPND Hussein Jabel Amalean.
Furthermore, IRNA said more names of the commanders of the armed forces who died will be announced later.
The Israel Defence Forces issued a statement on the Iranian officials executed, stating that their death is for the betterment of the world.
According to the Israel Defence Force, the leaders eliminated were the Iranian terror regime leaders.
“The world is a better place without them,” part of the statement read.
The strikes involved over 200 aircraft targeting 500+ military sites, including missile and air-defense infrastructure.
Also Read: Iran Finally Confirms Killing of Ali Khamenei, Announces 40 days of Mourning.
U.S. Issues Stern Warning to Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that any major strike in retaliation for the US-Israeli war will result in a military response.
According to Trump, the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the war was justice for the victims of the leadership in Iran.
“Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before,” said Trump
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, vowed to avenge the killing of Khamenei.
“This great crime will never go unanswered, and you have crossed our red line and must pay the price. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg,” Mohammed stated.
Iran retaliates
Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East following the strikes in several countries hosting U.S. military installations or allied forces.
Iranian attacks were reported in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iranian officials said the country could begin retaliation within hours of the strikes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Khamenei was still alive “as far as I know,” while insisting that most senior officials remained safe.
Also Read: Trump Dared by Foreign Military Leader to Go to War
Major General Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi
Mousavi assumed his role as the Military Chief of Staff following the assassination of his predecessor, Mohammad Bagheri, in earlier Israeli strikes in June 2025.
Mousavi had earlier dared Trump to go to war and be ready for the outcome in a statement made on February 15.
The general had expressed his dissatisfaction with Trump’s contradictions in the attempt to negotiate for peace while planning war.
“President Trump should understand that any war with us would be a harsh lesson and would put an end to his global displays of hostility,” Abdolrahim stated during a ceremony.
He emphasized that Iran does not seek to start a war, instead framing its preparations as purely defensive.
Mousavi’s warning came from the United States deployment of additional military assets to the Persian Gulf and surrounding regions.
According to Mousavi, Trump’s intentions of starting a war with Iran would have a global impact on Trump.
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