Basij

The military also announced that it had struck weapons production sites and ballistic missile launcher storage facilities located in Tehran.

The majority of Iranian military and security personnel were reportedly killed at Azadi Stadium, one of the largest soccer stadiums in the region. 

The shift in public mood followed reports of the killing of senior Iranian officials, as many appeared to be celebrating what they see as the weakening of the regime’s enforcement forces.

In the wake of the devastation on the political and military echelons of the Islamic Republic, who are some of the most significant figures remaining in Iran?

Before the assassination was confirmed, two sources gave The Jerusalem Post different indications on the likelihood of the success of the operation, which took place Tuesday night.

Pahlavi cautioned that the Iranian government has "no hesitation in suppressing people," and is prepared to kill hundreds of thousands to remain in power.

Basij, a key paramilitary militia under the IRGC, has a violent history of suppressing protests, enforcing morality laws, and committing human rights abuses, including torture and sexual abuse.

Ali Larijani, a key behind-the-scenes figure in Iran, was killed in an IDF strike, leaving a major gap in the regime's leadership amid growing instability.

IDF: Mojtaba Khamenei is not safe, we will hunt him down • IDF kills Iran's top official Larijani in targeted strike • Israel preps for large Hezbollah barrage