Iran Defence Minister, IRGC Chief Killed in Israeli Strikes? Explosions Rock Tehran as Tensions Soar
Mumbai: The Middle East witnessed a dramatic escalation after reports emerged that Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammed Pakpour were killed in Israeli airstrikes.
According to a Reuters report citing undisclosed sources close to Israel’s military operations, Nasirzadeh was among those killed in the strikes. However, there has been no official confirmation from either Iran or Israel regarding the reported deaths.
Massive Explosions in Tehran
Tehran witnessed massive explosions, with thick plumes of smoke billowing from multiple buildings across the capital. Blasts were also reported in other parts of the country, though the extent of casualties and damage remains unclear.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a “pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” signaling a significant escalation in hostilities between the two regional adversaries.
Who Were the Reported Targets?
Nasirzadeh, before becoming Iran’s Defence Minister, served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Iranian Armed Forces. He began his military career as a fighter pilot and rose steadily through the ranks.
Pakpour had reportedly assumed charge of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 2025 after the death of his predecessor Hossein Salami, who was also killed in earlier Israeli strikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi referenced an old 2012 post by Donald Trump on X, in which Trump had criticised former US President Barack Obama over potential military action against Iran. Araghchi’s remarks appeared aimed at highlighting longstanding US rhetoric on Iran.
Iran Retaliates
Following the strikes, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Explosions were again heard in Tehran as well as other locations, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Several countries have called for immediate de-escalation and restraint, urging both sides to avoid further military confrontation that could destabilise the already volatile region.
With no official confirmation yet on the reported deaths of Iran’s top military officials, the situation remains fluid and the world is watching closely as tensions threaten to spiral into a wider war.
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