The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday, March 1, claimed it had killed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s Chief of Staff of the armed forces, along with seven members of Iran’s top security leadership and 40 senior commanders in strikes in Tehran.
IDF said in a statement, Mousavi was one of Iran’s most senior military commanders and the successor to Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of Staff, who was killed in the opening strike of Operation Rising Lion. Prior to the launch of the Israel’s operation, Mousavi served as the commander of Iran’s army and held a series of key security positions. Mousavi held the rank of Lieutenant General.
Iran’s supreme leader killed
Prior to this, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday. Iran declared 40 days of national mourning after Khamenei’s death.
Iranian Cabinet warned that this ‘great crime will never go unanswered’ after Khamenei is killed by US-Israeli campaign, reported AP. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said ‘the most-intense offensive operation’ ever coming to target Israel, US Mideast bases, reported AP.
Iran’s parliament speaker called US and Israeli leaders ‘filthy criminals’ who will face ‘devastating blows.’ The death occurred following strikes by the US and Israel (Operation Epic Fury/Lion’s Roar) on Saturday. By announcing exactly 40 days of mourning, the government is leaning into a powerful cultural script, providing the clerical establishment time to manage the transition behind closed doors.
The country’s Supreme Leader’s office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic’s history.
Ayatollah Khamenei was the successor to the Revolution’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini. Since 1989, his “story” was one of unwavering defiance against Western influence. Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety.
Iran’s Leadership Council
Religious scholar Alireza Arafi has been appointed to Iran’s temporary leadership council, a body responsible for carrying out the duties of the supreme leader until a new leader is selected by the Assembly of Experts.
Arafi is a member of the powerful Guardian Council, which plays a major role in overseeing elections and reviewing legislation. His appointment to the three-member provisional leadership council was confirmed by the Expediency Council, a key institution that settles disputes between governing bodies in Iran.
The temporary council is expected to function as a caretaker authority if the supreme leadership position becomes vacant. Along with Arafi, the council includes Iran’s president and the chief justice. The other two members are President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary head Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei.
