West Asia’s brewing storm erupted into full-scale military confrontation as US-Israel launched a barrage of airstrikes on Iran starting February 28. The operation’s ruthlessness was evident from the outset, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in the opening salvo, along with family and senior aides. This shocking blow set the tone for a relentless campaign.
Subsequent days unveiled further devastation. State media reported on March 1 that Army Chief Syed Abdulrahim Mousavi and the Defense Minister died in a targeted hit on a high-level council session. These losses crippled operational command at a critical juncture.
Iran’s judiciary confirmed on March 2 the elimination of Revolutionary Guards leader General Mohammad Pakpour. Longtime military bureau chief Mohammad Shirazi, a bridge between the Supreme Leader and armed forces since 1989, was taken out in the initial assault, severing key communication lines.
Intelligence heavyweight Saleh Asadi, who directed emergency ops from Khattam-al-Anbiya HQ, fell early too. His expertise in crisis intelligence planning left Iran exposed.
The onslaught peaked with March 17 strikes on Tehran, claiming Ali Larijani, the strategic brain of the National Security Council, and Basij head Gholamreza Soleimani. Seven elite leaders down— Iran’s military hierarchy lies in ruins, its first line of defense effectively neutralized as the regional crisis deepens.