Ali Khamenei to Amir Nasirzadeh: List of top Iran leaders killed in US-Israel strikes

Israeli and US airstrikes in Iran reportedly killed top Iranian officials, including the defence minister and Revolutionary Guard commander.

Updated on: Mar 1, 2026, 12:22:37 IST

By Khushi Arora

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Tensions in the Middle East escalated on February 28, 2026 as Israel and the United States launched a massive coordinated military operation targeting key Iranian sites. The strikes focused on strategic military installations targeting nuclear sites, missile factories, IRGC bases, and offices near Supreme Leader Khamenei's compound in Tehran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and raising fears of further retaliation in the region.

Top Iranian leaders killed in US-Israel strikes (via REUTERS)

Trump announces Khamenei dead; Top Iranian leaders reported killed in strikes

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed following joint US-Israeli military strikes. In a statement, Trump called Khamenei “one of the most evil people in History” and said the operation was a major success.

“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.” he wrote

Also Read: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei succession order: Who could replace Iran's supremo after US strikes?

Other top Iranian officials were also reportedly killed in Israeli strikes.

As cited by Reuters, according to two sources familiar with Israel's military operations and one regional source, Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed.

Additionally, Amit Segal, Chief political analyst at N12News posted on his X that the IDF spokesperson confirmed that Khamenei’s top advisor Ali Shamkhani and Khamenei’s military advisor were also eliminated.

“there was not a thing he [Ali Khamenei ] or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.” Trump wrote in his Truth Social post.

List of top Iranian officials reported killed in the strikes

Ali Khamenei- Iran’s Supreme leader
Amir Nasirzadeh- Iran’s Defence Minister
Mohammed Pakpour- Commander of the Revolutionary Guards
Ali Shamkhani- Supreme Leader Khamenei’s top advisor
Khamenei’s military advisor- Ali Shamkhani
Chief of Staff- Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi

According to The Times of Israel, President Masoud Pezeshkian was also targeted in the strike, but his status is not clear yet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Khushi Arora
Khushi Arora is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she writes for the US Desk, covering everything happening in the United States, while maintaining quality and delivering impactful stories across all beats. She previously worked at Zee News for over a year where she explored multiple beats including News Desk, Education and Lifestyle. With a background in English Literature, Khushi blends sharp research with thoughtful storytelling, shaping stories that go beyond headlines and bring clarity and credibility to every piece she writes. Beyond the newsroom, she enjoys reading, watching cinema and loves having long conversations about books, films and everything in between.Read More

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