According to Iran International English, Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is facing a deepening crisis as a series of Israeli air strikes have eliminated several of his top military advisers, including key commanders within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The report, based on interviews with five individuals familiar with Iran’s internal decision-making, reveals that the deaths of senior military figures have created serious vulnerabilities within Iran’s leadership. These gaps are particularly dangerous at a time of heightened tensions with Israel, increasing the risk of strategic missteps.
Among those targeted were Hossein Salami, the commander of the IRGC and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the IRGC’s aerospace division. Both were central to shaping Iran’s defence posture and advising Khamenei on critical military decisions. Their loss has dealt a significant blow to the leadership structure surrounding the 86-year-old Supreme Leader.
“These men were not just commanders. They were Khamenei’s trusted eyes and ears in the field,” one source told Reuters. “Their deaths leave holes that are not easily filled, especially at this critical time.”
The article notes that the airstrikes have not only eliminated experienced figures but also disrupted the informal networks and lines of communication that Khamenei relies on. With the Supreme Leader’s inner circle shrinking, the decision-making process may become slower and more error-prone.
“The absence of these key players increases the likelihood of miscalculations, particularly in Iran’s response to Israeli or Western actions,” said another individual familiar with the regime’s strategic planning.
Iran has not officially confirmed all the casualties but has vowed retaliation for what it calls acts of aggression. Still, analysts suggest that the removal of such influential military minds could weaken Tehran’s ability to formulate a cohesive response.
As Khamenei navigates an increasingly volatile regional landscape, the erosion of his core advisory group may force the Supreme Leader into more reactive, and potentially riskier, decisions.
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