Israel claims it eliminated Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces, dozens of senior commanders

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.

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.

Attention is focused on the process of selecting Khamenei's successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran's future leadership. However, meeting under wartime conditions is difficult, and the question remains, who "owns" the future of the Republic -- the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard -- the most urgent cliffhanger.