Iran suffers major setback in Israeli strike defence minister death and commander also reported killed
Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Amid fresh military strikes carried out by Israel on Iran, reports have emerged claiming the death of Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohammad Pakpour. According to a report by Reuters citing Israeli military-linked sources and a regional official, both senior leaders were killed in the attacks. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Iranian government so far.
Claim of preemptive strikes
As per The Times of Israel, the strikes were conducted early in the morning targeting multiple strategic locations in Iran. Initial Israeli assessments suggest that senior military officials including IRGC leadership, the defence minister, and intelligence figures were among those hit. Reports also indicate that attempts were made to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, although the outcome of those efforts remains unclear.
IRGC leadership role
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is considered one of Iran’s most influential military and security institutions and operates directly under the Supreme Leader. General Mohammad Pakpour had assumed command in June 2025 following the death of his predecessor Hossein Salami during earlier conflict. Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh was playing a key role in shaping Iran’s military strategy and weapons development programs. If confirmed, their deaths could significantly impact Iran’s defence structure.
Awaiting official confirmation
Iran has not issued any formal statement regarding these claims. The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that any possibility of negotiations would depend on the cessation of ongoing attacks.
Following the strikes, air raid sirens were reported in Israel and several flights were affected. Iran has precautionarily closed its airspace and signaled preparations for possible retaliation. Analysts believe that if the deaths of these senior officials are confirmed, it could mark the most significant escalation since the 12-day conflict of June 2025 and may increase instability across the Middle East.