Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander General Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes carried out inside Iran on Saturday, according to Israeli officials.
Iranian authorities have not yet officially confirmed the deaths.
Israeli sources indicated that Pakpour, Nasirzadeh and Iran’s intelligence chief were likely among those targeted in the operation. The total number of casualties has not been confirmed, and details remain limited as the situation continues to unfold.
Reports also suggested that several senior Iranian military and political figures may have been targeted, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, there has been no verified information regarding their status.
If confirmed, the death of the IRGC commander would represent a significant development. As head of the IRGC, Pakpour oversaw Iran’s internal security operations, regional military coordination, missile and aerospace programs, and elite overseas units. The IRGC also maintains substantial influence over strategic industries and economic sectors within Iran.
Analysts say that striking senior leadership figures, rather than solely military infrastructure, would mark a notable escalation in the conflict. Such actions could disrupt command structures within the IRGC and Iran’s broader security apparatus.
Iran has already initiated retaliatory measures in the region, and observers warn that further escalation remains possible.
With official confirmation from Tehran still pending, the situation remains fluid and subject to rapid change.
