The United States (US) and Israel have carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran since February 28, significantly escalating tensions after months of disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme, regional influence, and stalled diplomatic efforts.
DNR reports that explosions were first recorded near locations linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as blasts were heard across several cities, with smoke seen rising above the capital, Tehran.
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Iranian state media confirmed that the strikes hit multiple parts of the country, prompting authorities to shut down airspace and disrupt mobile phone services while further explosions continued across the city.
United President Donald Trump confirmed the operation in a video posted on social media, declaring that Washington had begun “major combat operations in Iran.”
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He accused Tehran of continuing nuclear development and pursuing missile capabilities that could eventually threaten the United States.
The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have killed several senior political and military figures, dealing a heavy blow to the country’s core leadership as tensions in the region continue to disrupt energy markets and global shipping.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Supreme Leader)
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed at the age of 86 in the U.S.-Israeli air strike on his compound on February 28.
He ruled Iran for more than three decades, consolidating power through the security apparatus while expanding the country’s regional influence, despite repeated confrontations with the West over its nuclear programme.
Ali Larijani (Senior official)
Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a veteran powerbroker, was killed at 67 in a U.S.-Israeli air strike in the Pardis area on March 17, along with his son and one of his deputies, Iranian media reported.
A former Revolutionary Guards commander and nuclear negotiator, he was a close adviser to the Supreme Leader and played a major role in shaping Iran’s security and foreign policy.
Esmail Khatib (Intelligence minister)
Esmail Khatib, Iran’s intelligence minister, was killed in an Israeli strike on March 18. A hardliner cleric and politician, he worked in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office and was mentored by him, before heading the civilian intelligence apparatus in August 2021.
He was a key figure in Iran’s intelligence operations and internal security structure.
Ali Shamkhani (Security adviser)
Ali Shamkhani, a close adviser to Khamenei and a key figure in Iran’s security and nuclear policymaking, was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28.
He previously survived an earlier attack on his home during the 12-day June war between Israel and Iran and remained influential in defence and strategic affairs.
Mohammad Pakpour (IRGC commander-in-chief)
Mohammad Pakpour, commander-in-chief of the IRGC, Iran’s most powerful military force, was killed in the February 28 strikes in Tehran, Iranian state media said.
He rose through the ranks to lead the Revolutionary Guards after his predecessor was killed, overseeing one of the country’s most powerful military institutions.
Aziz Nasirzadeh (Defence minister)
Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s defence minister and a career air force officer, was killed in the same wave of strikes targeting senior leadership in Tehran on February 28, according to sources.
He played a central role in military planning and the development of Iran’s defence policies.
Abdolrahim Mousavi (Chief of staff, armed forces)
Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, was killed in the February 28 strikes during what Iranian media said was a meeting of senior leadership in Tehran.
He was responsible for coordinating Iran’s military branches and overseeing its conventional forces.
Gholamreza Soleimani (Basij commander)
Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on March 17, according to Iranian state media.
A senior Revolutionary Guards officer, he led the Basij force, which plays a major role in internal security and enforcement of state authority.