Middle East Conflict: Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh Killed In Airstrikes By Israel, US Claim Reports

Tehran: Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in airstrikes carried out jointly by Israel and the US, reports claimed on Saturday. The development comes as the US and Israel launched wide scale airstrikes on Iran on Saturday.

Reports claim that two sources familiar with Israeli military operations and a regional source provided this information. This incident occurred amid Israeli attacks on Iran, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, Iran has not yet officially confirmed this.

When did the attacks take place?

According to the Times of Israel, these attacks took place in Iran this morning, marking the beginning of Israeli preemptive strikes against Tehran. Israeli officials' initial assessment is that IRGC chief Pakpour, the Defense Minister, and the intelligence chief are likely dead. Several top commanders, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, were targeted, but the results of the attacks are not yet clear.

When did Pakpour assume command of Revolutionary Guards? 

The IRGC is Iran's most powerful military and security body, working directly under the Supreme Leader. General Mohammad Pakpour assumed command of the IRGC after the death of his predecessor, Hossein Salami, in the June 2025 war. As Iran's Defense Minister, Amir Nasirzadeh played a key role in military policy and weapons development. These deaths have dealt a major blow to Iran's military command, which could further fuel regional conflict.

Has Iran confirmed the development?

Iran has not yet officially confirmed these deaths, but this information has emerged from regional sources and intelligence reports. Following the attacks, sirens sounded in Israel and flights were disrupted. Iran has closed its airspace and is preparing for retaliation. Experts believe this attack is the largest since the 12-Day War of June 2025, in which IRGC chief Salami was previously killed. This has increased the risk of a war in the Middle East, which could involve proxy groups and other countries.

Will Tehran retaliate?

This incident has become a source of global concern. Israel claims that Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile threat posed an existential threat, making these attacks necessary. Iran's Foreign Minister has called them illegal. The future course of events will depend on how Iran responds: whether missile attacks occur through proxies or direct war. Currently, the situation remains extremely tense, and military preparations are ongoing on both sides.