Israel says it has killed Alireza Tangsiri, the head of the naval wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in what it describes as a major blow to Iran’s military operations in the Gulf.
According to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, Tangsiri was overseeing efforts to impose a near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He accused the commander of being directly responsible for attacks and disruptions in the vital shipping corridor, adding that several other senior naval officials were also killed. Iranian authorities have yet to respond publicly to the claims.
The reported killing comes amid an escalating conflict that began on February 28, during which Israel says it has targeted multiple high-ranking Iranian figures, including Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy routes, carrying roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Disruptions in the area have had far-reaching consequences, with reports indicating that shipping traffic through the strait dropped sharply in recent weeks.
The slowdown has already pushed global oil prices higher, raising concerns about the broader economic impact of the conflict.
Tangsiri, who took command of the IRGC Navy in 2018 after serving as deputy since 2010, had been a central figure in Iran’s maritime strategy. He was sanctioned by the United States in 2019 following the downing of a US surveillance drone near the strait.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Tangsiri as a key figure in Iran’s military operations, saying his killing reflects ongoing cooperation between Israel and the United States in pursuing their war objectives.
In a separate statement, United States Central Command said Tangsiri’s death would improve regional security and claimed the IRGC Navy is in decline. It also urged members of the force to stand down to avoid further casualties.
Israel’s military added that Behnam Rezaei, head of the IRGC Navy’s intelligence directorate, was also killed in the operation.