The Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi, has been killed in what Iranian state television described as US and Israeli strikes on the country.
According to the broadcaster, Mousavi died alongside several senior officials during Saturday’s attacks. Those named include Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour, and Defence Council head Ali Shamkhani. State TV said they were killed “during a Defence Council meeting,” adding that further names would be released later.
The announcement follows widespread reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was also killed in a joint United States–Israel air campaign targeting senior leadership and key regime structures. News of his death has reportedly sparked celebrations among some Iranians both inside the country and abroad.
On Saturday, Israel confirmed it had carried out what it described as a pre-emptive operation against Iran, stating that the mission was designed to counter perceived threats linked to Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. The strikes were said to have involved coordination with US forces and targeted multiple locations across Iranian territory. Warning sirens were heard in Israel amid fears of possible retaliation.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, with Iranian media acknowledging significant military activity. The escalation has effectively derailed recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
