Israeli official claims IRGC commander behind Hormuz closure killed in strike

An Israeli official claimed Thursday that Alireza Tangsiri, a Revolutionary Guards commander responsible for enforcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, was killed in an airstrike in Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The claim could not be immediately verified.

Targeting the commander

The Times of Israel quoted the official as saying Tangsiri was killed in the strike, without providing additional details on the operation. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities or the Israeli military regarding the claim. If confirmed, Tangsiri would be among the most senior Iranian commanders killed since the conflict began.

Strategic waterway disrupted

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut down since early March under the direction of commanders like Tangsiri. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil normally pass through the waterway daily; its closure has driven up shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher. The strait remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.

Conflict context

The reported killing comes amid sustained US-Israeli strikes on Iran since Feb. 28, which have killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.