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News Topical, Digital Desk : Iran's central pillar of power has now virtually collapsed. In just a few weeks, joint US-Israeli strikes have eliminated the country's highest-ranking leaders one by one.
From Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to his closest advisers and military commanders, no one was spared. These attacks have severely weakened Iran's defense system, intelligence apparatus, and political command.
However, Iran continues to fight vigorously against the US and Israel. Iran is now engaged not in a war but in a struggle for survival.
The series began with the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the initial US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026. Khamenei, 86, was the most powerful figure in the Islamic Republic of Iran. He had led the country since 1989 and had taken a hardline stance against the US and Israel.
Khamenei and several family members were killed in a precision strike on his residence and leadership compound, which also killed his close security adviser, Ali Shamkhani.
Shamkhani was a key figure in Iran's security and nuclear policy. The attack shocked the entire country and a 40-day period of national mourning was declared.
Several commanders were also killed.
Following Khamenei's death, Iran's defense system suffered further setbacks. The attacks also killed IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and National Defense Council head Ali Shamkhani.
Many of them were killed during a single meeting, severely impacting Iran's military command. The attacks also targeted officials involved in Iran's missile and nuclear programs.
Intelligence chief Salah Assadi and head of the Advanced Weapons Program, Hassan Jabal Amelian, were also killed, severely impacting both Iran's military capabilities and intelligence.
Larijani's assassination changed the course of the war
Then, on March 17, 2026, Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was also killed in an attack. This attack was carried out by Israel. Larijani had been the head of military power in Iran since Khamenei's death. His son and a deputy were also killed in the attack.
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