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Top Iranian Military Leaders Killed in Israeli-US Strikes; Ayatollah Khamenei Dead

Israeli-US airstrikes, dubbed Operation Roaring Lion, have killed several top Iranian defense officials, including Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Army Chief of Staff Abdul Rahim Mousavi. The strikes also resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, plunging the nation into 40 days of public mourning. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile strikes against US-linked targets in several Gulf Arab states, escalating regional tensions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warns that operations against US and Israeli assets in the region will continue.

Key Points: Iranian Defense Minister, Army Chief Killed in Israeli-US Strikes

  • Senior Iranian defense leadership eliminated
  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed
  • Iran launches retaliatory strikes on Gulf states
  • Operation followed months of US-Israel planning
3 min read

Iranian Defence Minister, Army's Chief of Staff killed in Israeli-US strikes

Israeli-US airstrikes kill Iran's defense minister, army chief, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, triggering regional retaliation and mourning.

"This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated. - Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps"

Tehran, March 1

Iranian Army's Chief of Staff, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed in the Israeli-US strikes in Iran, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday citing Iran's state-run media IRNA.

IRNA' report further said that said more commanders of the armed forces were also killed and that their names would be announced later.

Earlier today, the Israeli Air Force said its jets carried out strikes on military targets in Iran, reportedly killing seven top Iranian defence officials, including Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour.

In a post on X, the Israeli Air Force shared, "IAF fighter jets precisely struck military targets across Iran, eliminating 7 senior officials of the Iranian Defense Leadership: Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia. The world is a better place without them.

Israeli-US strikes into Iran resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The strikes which have been labelled by the Israeli Defence Forces as Operation Roaring Lion, comes after months of close and joint planning with the U.S. Armed Forces, IDF's Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday.

He added, "Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high".

Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media.

The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion's Roar) on Saturday.

In response to the ongoing heightened tension in the Gulf region, the situation prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders.

According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states in response to what Tehran described as a large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.

Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been carried out against multiple locations, the Fars news agency reported. The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by "powerful Iranian missile strikes," warning that operations would continue.

"This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated," the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are regarded as legitimate targets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the loss of life is tragic, one cannot ignore that Iran has been a state sponsor of regional instability for years. A power vacuum now could be dangerous, but perhaps it opens a door for a more moderate leadership? The world watches with bated breath.
A
Arjun K
The immediate worry is oil prices. Petrol and diesel rates in India will shoot up if this conflict widens. Our economy is still recovering. Hope our diplomats are working overtime to ensure our energy security isn't compromised.
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Priya S
This feels like the start of something very big and very bad. Iran's retaliation against Gulf states puts millions of Indian expatriates at risk. Our embassies need to have robust evacuation plans ready. Safety of our citizens abroad is paramount.
V
Vikram M
With respect, I must criticize the celebratory tone of the Israeli Air Force's post. Announcing the world is "a better place" after such strikes is inflammatory and unhelpful. It only fuels the cycle of violence. Diplomacy, however difficult, must be the path forward.
K
Karthik V
India's historical ties with both Iran and the Gulf nations, plus our strategic partnership with the US, puts us in a uniquely delicate position. This is a true test of our foreign policy's "strategic autonomy." Hope we can help de-escalate.

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