Since February 28, a joint military operation by the United States and Israel has severely damaged Iran’s political and military command structure. Over the past 40 days, Iran has lost several of its most influential leaders, marking one of the most significant leadership crises in its history. Among the dead is Supreme Leader Khamenei, killed in a powerful airstrike at his Tehran residence, an event seen as a major turning point in the conflict.

Other key figures killed include Larijani, a central architect of Iran’s diplomatic and strategic policies, whose death has disrupted Tehran’s international coordination. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Mohammad Pakpour was also killed, weakening Iran’s internal and regional military power. Military chief Mousavi died during a high-level meeting in Tehran targeted by Israeli intelligence, while the head of Iran’s defense modernization program was also killed the same day.

The most recent blow came on April 6, when intelligence chief Majid Khademi was killed in a joint airstrike. His death, described as the loss of Iran’s “eyes and ears,” further deepened the country’s leadership vacuum.