Who are the most prominent Iranian leaders killed since the start of the war?
Since the beginning of the war, U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Iran have reportedly eliminated top-tier figures within the leadership.
Who are the most notable leaders said to have been killed in the ongoing war since February 28?
Ali Khamenei
Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, regarded as Iran’s most powerful figure since 1989, was reportedly killed in the first hour of the war in a strike targeting a meeting of senior officials in Tehran.
The strike also reportedly killed his son’s wife, his daughter, and at least one grandson, according to local and international media.
His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, known for his low public profile, reportedly survived with injuries and later assumed the position of Supreme Leader.
He has not appeared publicly so far, and his father has not yet been buried.
Ali Larijani
Observers say the death of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a central pillar of the regime for decades, represents the greatest loss after Khamenei.
He was reportedly killed on March 17 in an Israeli strike near Tehran that also killed members of his family.
Mohammad Pakpour
Pakpour, former commander of the IRGC ground forces, had been appointed commander-in-chief in June 2025.
Hossein Salami
Salami was reportedly killed on the first day of the war and was replaced by former interior and defense minister Ahmad Vahidi.
Alireza Tangsiri
Iran confirmed Monday the death of IRGC Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri, whom Israel had previously declared killed.
Ali Shamkhani
A senior security official and adviser to the late Supreme Leader, he was reportedly killed on the first day of the war.
Esmail Khatib
Khatib was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike at dawn on March 18 in Tehran.
Aziz Nasirzadeh
Defense minister since 2024, he was reportedly killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war.
Gholamreza Soleimani
Head of the Basij paramilitary force, he was reportedly killed on March 17.
Ali Mohammad Naeini
IRGC spokesperson since 2024, he was reportedly killed on March 20.
Mohammad Shirazi
He was reportedly killed in the first strike of the war while coordinating Iran’s security branches.
Abdolrahim Mousavi
Mousavi was reportedly killed on the first day of the war after having assumed his post in June 2025.
