The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that during the initial strikes on Iran on February 28, 40 "key" commanders of Iran's military leadership were eliminated, including Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdulrahim Musavi.

The IDF stated it can confirm Musavi was killed in the first strikes. Musavi had assumed the position following the death of Mohammad Bagheri from Israeli strikes in June 2025 during the war.

Military officials emphasized that Musavi was responsible for "managing Iran's security apparatus and controlling the launch of hundreds of ballistic missiles directed at Israeli territory, which led to the deaths of Israeli civilians during the operation."

It is reported that "the majority of the highest-ranking military officials in Iran's security leadership have been eliminated by the IDF." The names of the 40 commanders are not listed.

Previously, Iranian officials had not disclosed the number of military casualties from the Israeli strikes.

Additionally, media reported that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also killed in the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Earlier, the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that 201 people were killed and 747 injured in the initial attacks on the country. These strikes were declared the largest air operation in IDF history, involving nearly 200 fighter jets.

According to BBC citing Iranian officials, at least 148 people were killed in a strike on a school in southern Iran alone.

Source: www.gazeta.uz