Rear Adm. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy, was killed in an Israeli military operation, according to Israeli and U.S. officials. Iranian authorities have not commented on the claims.
Background and Role
- Tangsiri, 62, was born in Arvandkenar, Iran, and appointed chief of the IRGC navy in 2018.
- He previously served as the first regional commander of the IRGC navy.
Key Actions and Authority
- Instrumental in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Orchestrated hundreds of drone strikes on commercial vessels.
- Led military buildup, acquiring thousands of weapons, including missiles and naval mines.
- Israeli officials stated he became the sole approver for most terror activities in southern Iran’s maritime domain.
International Sanctions
- Designated as a terrorist by the U.S. Treasury Department in June 2019 for acting on behalf of the IRGC.
- Faced additional U.S. sanctions in 2023 related to Iranian drone development.
- Served as chairman of Paravar Pars, a firm sanctioned for manufacturing Shahed drones supplied to Russia.
Official Reactions
- U.S. Central Command said Tangsiri was responsible for killing “countless innocent civilians” and harassing “thousands of innocent merchant mariners.”
- Israeli military confirmed his death and detailed his expanded authority during the conflict.