Israeli Strike Kills IRGC Navy Commander Tangsiri in Bandar Abbas, Architect of Hormuz Blockade

An Israeli air strike killed IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri at approximately 3 a.m. local time Thursday in Bandar Abbas, the port city adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. IRGC Navy intelligence chief Behnam Rezaei and multiple senior naval aides were killed in the same strike. Defense Minister Katz confirmed the killing, stating Tangsiri was "directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz" and calling it an "important development for our American partners, as it reflects the IDF's role in helping to reopen the Strait of Hormuz." Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed in a video statement, saying Tangsiri had "a great deal of blood on his hands" and "led the closure of the Strait of Hormuz." The United States separately confirmed Tangsiri's death. Tangsiri commanded the IRGC Navy since August 2018 and oversaw its maritime drone and mine capabilities, directing attacks on oil tankers and commercial vessels. Iran had not officially confirmed Tangsiri's death at the time of reporting. He is among dozens of senior Iranian officials killed since the war began on February 28, which included Supreme Leader Khamenei and roughly 40 officials on the first day alone, followed by targeted strikes on Larijani, Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani, Intelligence Minister Khatib, and other senior IRGC commanders.