During the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, a series of airstrikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials from the Islamic Republic, starting with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In March, President Donald Trump announced that the campaign had succeeded in forcing a regime change; however, Iran quickly adapted by replacing its slain leaders and continuing its resistance against the US and Israel.
With an agreement announced Monday to cease hostilities between Washington and Tehran, here is a summary of the key figures who were martyred during the conflict:
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran’s top leader since 1989 was killed within the first hour of the conflict on February 28 in a strike targeting a meeting of senior officials in Tehran, which also claimed the lives of his daughter-in-law, daughter, and at least one grandchild. His son Mojtaba, who is reportedly injured, survived and has assumed the role of Supreme Leader, but has yet to make a public appearance. Khamenei’s funeral is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, his hometown, after three days of ceremonies in Tehran and Qom.
Security Chief Ali Larijani
Larijani, a crucial figure for decades despite not being a cleric, was martyred in an Israeli strike on March 17, likely in the Tehran area, which also killed members of his family. The previous week, he publicly demonstrated defiance by attending a pro-government rally in Tehran.
Revolutionary Guards Commander Mohammad Pakpour
Pakpour, who had previously commanded the Guards’ ground forces, took on the role of chief commander in June 2025 after Hossein Salami was martyred in Israel’s 12-day war against Iran. He was killed on the war’s first day and has been succeeded by former interior and defense minister Ahmad Vahidi.
Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri
A veteran of the Iran-Iraq war, Tangsiri had led the Guards’ navy since 2018 and was among the highest-profile officials within the Islamic republic. Israel’s defense minister characterized him as the individual responsible for operations like mining and blockading the Strait of Hormuz.
Advisor Ali Shamkhani
A longstanding member of Iran’s armed forces since the 1980s, Shamkhani was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war. His funeral was held publicly in Tehran’s Tajrish Square.
Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib
Khatib, a cleric, was targeted and killed by an Israeli strike early on March 18 in Tehran. Since taking the role in 2021, rights groups have accused him of playing a key part in suppressing protests.
Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh
With a service history dating back to the Iran-Iraq war, Nasirzadeh was martyred during the first day of the conflict after serving as defense minister since 2024.
Basij Commander Gholamreza Soleimani
Leading the Basij—a volunteer paramilitary group associated with the Revolutionary Guards notorious for protest suppression—Soleimani was killed in an airstrike on March 17.
Spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini
Naini was martyred in March during what the Guards described as a “cowardly” attack by the US and Israel. Before his death, he had publicly praised Iran’s missile program, claiming it continued robustly despite the war.
Head of Military Office Mohammad Shirazi
Killed on the conflict’s first day, Shirazi was responsible for coordinating between different branches of Iran’s security forces under the Supreme Leader.
Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahim Mousavi
Mousavi, also killed on the war’s first day, took office in June 2025 after his predecessor Mohammad Bagheri died during the 12-day conflict. He oversaw coordination between the Guard units and the regular army.