Key Iranian Figures Killed in the War
During the US-Israeli war on Iran, waves of airstrikes eliminated a significant portion of the Islamic republic's political and military elite, beginning with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Although President Donald Trump claimed in March that the campaign had achieved "regime change," Iran demonstrated resilience by swiftly replacing its fallen leaders and continuing the war against the US and Israel. With Washington and Tehran agreeing to a ceasefire deal announced on Monday, here is a recap of some of the key figures killed in the conflict.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Khamenei, Iran's top leader since 1989, was killed in the first hour of the war on February 28 during a strike on a meeting of senior officials in Tehran. Reports indicate that his daughter-in-law, daughter, and at least one grandchild also died in the attack. His son Mojtaba survived, reportedly with injuries, and succeeded him as Supreme Leader, though he has not made a public appearance. Khamenei's funeral is scheduled for July 9 at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, following ceremonies in Tehran and Qom.
Security Chief Ali Larijani
Larijani, a non-cleric who was a pillar of the system for decades, was killed on March 17 in an Israeli strike, reportedly in the Tehran region, which also killed family members. His death was considered the biggest loss to the Islamic Republic after Khamenei. Days earlier, he had defiantly walked in a pro-government rally in Tehran.
Revolutionary Guards Chief Mohammad Pakpour
Pakpour, who became commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guards in June 2025 after his predecessor Hossein Salami was killed in Israel's 12-day war, was assassinated on the first day of the current war. He was replaced by former interior and defense minister Ahmad Vahidi.
Guards Naval Chief Alireza Tangsiri
A veteran of the Iran-Iraq war, Tangsiri had led the Revolutionary Guards' navy since 2018. He was killed in a strike on the port city of Bandar Abbas. Israel's defense minister described him as the "man who was directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz."
Adviser Ali Shamkhani
Shamkhani, a mainstay of Iran's armed forces since the 1980s, was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war. He was given a public funeral in Tehran's Tajrish Square. He had been severely wounded and initially reported dead in a strike during Israel's June war, but later re-emerged.
Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib
A cleric, Khatib was killed by an Israeli strike in Tehran on March 18. Serving as intelligence minister since 2021, he was accused by rights groups of playing a key role in suppressing protests.
Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh
A veteran of the Iran-Iraq war, Nasirzadeh had served as defense minister since 2024. He was killed in a strike on the first day of the war.
Basij Commander Gholamreza Soleimani
Soleimani headed the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary group under the Revolutionary Guards known for suppressing protests. He was killed in an airstrike on March 17.
Guards Spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini
Naini was killed in March in what the Guards described as a "cowardly" attack by the US and Israel. Just before his death was confirmed, he was quoted as saying Iran's missile production deserved a "perfect score" and was continuing despite the war.
Head of the Military Office Mohammad Shirazi
Shirazi was killed on the opening day of the war. He held the crucial role of coordinating between various branches of Iran's security forces at the office of the Supreme Leader.
Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahim Mousavi
Mousavi, Iran's armed forces chief of staff, was killed on the first day of the war. He had only taken up the post—which coordinates between the Guards and the regular army—in June 2025 following the death of his predecessor Mohammad Bagheri in the 12-day war.
