Tehran, Iran – March 1, 2026 – Iranian armed forces on Sunday confirmed the deaths of four high-ranking military officials in the US-Israeli military strikes that began early Saturday, according to a statement reported by Fars News Agency. The officials were reportedly killed while attending a meeting of the Defense Council, highlighting the precision and intelligence-driven nature of the attacks.
The statement identified the deceased as:
- Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces;
- Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces;
- Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a key advisor to the Supreme Leader on nuclear and defense matters;
- Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.
State media outlets, including IRNA and Tasnim, also reported the deaths of senior Intelligence Ministry official Mohammad Baseri and police intelligence chief Gholamreza Rezaian in the same wave of strikes. Iranian authorities have not yet issued an official consolidated list or independent verification of all reported casualties, but the announcements represent one of the most devastating blows to the country's military and security leadership in decades.
The killings come amid the official confirmation on Sunday of the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the attacks. A 40-day national mourning period has been declared, with state television broadcasting continuous religious ceremonies, Quran recitations, and calls for unity. An interim Leadership Council has been formed in accordance with Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the clerical representative from the Guardian Council. The Assembly of Experts is expected to convene shortly to select a permanent successor.
The US-Israeli operation—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States—was launched early Saturday as a pre-emptive campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure, missile production facilities, command centers, and reportedly senior leadership. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the joint action, describing it as essential to eliminate threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear program, and regional proxy networks. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties.
Iran responded with large-scale missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf region, including confirmed strikes on a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area and an intercepted missile over Qatar. Additional drone activity was reported near Oman, prompting the US Embassy in Muscat to order shelter-in-place for staff and recommend the same for American citizens.
Civilian casualties have also been reported, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck. The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated Sunday that attacks occurred in close proximity to medical and humanitarian facilities in Tehran, including the Red Crescent Building, Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital, Behzisti facilities, and Motahari Hospital. No confirmed casualty or damage figures from these locations have been released.
The strikes occurred despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
International reactions have been swift and polarized. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement denying participation in the strikes while condemning Iranian retaliatory attacks on regional countries “in the strongest terms.” They called for restraint, civilian protection, and a resumption of negotiations. The European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Latvia, Austria, and Ireland urged maximum restraint and respect for international law.
Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev accused the US of using talks as a “cover” for military action. The UN Security Council remains in emergency session, with Russia and China condemning the strikes as sovereignty violations.
Gulf states—including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—have closed or restricted airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy market disruptions. Oil prices remain elevated amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Russian Embassy in Tehran urged citizens to leave Iran if possible.
In the Western Balkans, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warned the conflict was “long prepared” and unlikely to end quickly, while Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed support for US actions.
The loss of Khamenei and the top military echelon has plunged Iran into a period of profound uncertainty. The interim Leadership Council’s role in maintaining continuity will be critical as the Assembly of Experts prepares to select a new Supreme Leader amid active hostilities. National mourning has been declared for 40 days, with state institutions operating under emergency protocols.
As missile exchanges persist, airspace restrictions continue, and regional forces remain on high alert, the international community is closely monitoring developments for signs of further escalation or potential civilian harm. The situation remains highly volatile, with the risk of broader regional involvement growing amid Iran’s unprecedented leadership crisis.
