Israel says it killed Iran naval chief linked to Hormuz blockade

Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has reportedly been killed in a strike in the southern coastal city of Bandar Abbas, according to media reports citing an Israeli official.

The strike is believed to have been carried out by US-Israeli forces, though there has been no official confirmation from Iran or the Israeli military so far.

Tangsiri was a key figure in Iran’s military establishment and had been leading the IRGC Navy since 2018. He played a central role in overseeing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, including efforts to restrict or control maritime traffic during the ongoing conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies pass. In recent weeks, Iran has effectively tightened control over the waterway in response to US and Israeli military actions, contributing to rising geopolitical and economic tensions.

If confirmed, Tangsiri’s death would mark one of the most significant high-level losses for Iran since the conflict began, which is now in its fourth week. He was among the senior commanders who had so far survived earlier assassination attempts, making the reported strike a major development in the war.

The reported killing comes amid a series of targeted strikes on Iranian leadership and infrastructure, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict.

Tangsiri was among the senior commanders who had previously survived multiple reported assassination attempts, making the latest development particularly notable.

The reported killing comes amid a broader pattern of targeted strikes on Iranian military leadership and infrastructure. Such actions have raised fears of further escalation, with analysts warning that any direct confirmation could trigger retaliatory measures from Tehran.

So far, Iranian state media has not issued an official confirmation or denial regarding Tangsiri’s reported death.