Israel Kills Multiple Top Iranian Commanders, Hollowing Khamenei Inner Circle

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has suffered significant losses within his inner circle due to recent Israeli airstrikes that killed several senior military commanders, including key advisers from the Revolutionary Guards such as Hossein Salami, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and spymaster Mohammad Kazemi. These deaths have created major gaps in Khamenei's advisory network, raising serious concerns about potential strategic errors and the increased risk of miscalculation on defense and internal stability. Khamenei's inner circle, comprising about 15-20 advisers including Guards commanders, clerics, and politicians, is characterized by unwavering loyalty to him and the Islamic Republic's ideology, and meets on an ad-hoc basis to discuss critical decisions. Despite his iron grip on power since 1989 and supreme command over Iran's armed forces, Khamenei is described as cautious yet stubborn, regularly seeking diverse viewpoints and detailed information before making final decisions. The losses also coincide with rising internal and external pressures on Iran, including economic difficulties and heightened threats from Israel, prompting closer involvement from his son Mojtaba and confidants in security matters. Experts warn that this leadership vacuum marks a pivotal and precarious moment for Iran's ruling authority amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.