State television in Iran has reported the deaths of several senior Iranian military leaders, including the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, following a major U.S. and Israeli military offensive that began over the weekend.
According to state media, Abdolrahim Mousavi — Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces — was killed alongside other top commanders during a high-level Defence Council meeting.
State TV identified the following officials as having died during the strikes:
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Abdolrahim Mousavi – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces
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Aziz Nasirzadeh – Defence Minister
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Mohammad Pakpour – Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces
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Ali Shamkhani – Head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
The broadcast said they were killed “during a Defence Council meeting” and indicated that additional names of those killed would be released later.
Context: Pre-Emptive U.S.–Israel Offensive
The development comes as part of a major joint military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday. According to official statements from both countries, the strikes were intended to “neutralise threats” posed by Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. The offensive reportedly involved coordinated airstrikes across multiple Iranian territory targets, including military and regime infrastructure.
Explosions were widely reported in Tehran and other cities, and air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel as concerns grew about possible Iranian retaliation.
The strikes have effectively shattered ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at restarting negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the nuclear dispute.
Reaction Inside and Outside Iran
News of the deaths of top military leaders — and earlier reports of Ali Khamenei being killed — has sparked emotional reactions among Iranians, both inside the country and in the diaspora. Some groups were reported to have celebrated the news, reflecting the deep societal divisions and intense emotions surrounding the conflict.
At the same time, other segments of Iranian society expressed shock and concern over the rapidly escalating situation and what it means for the country’s future.
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