By By Elizabeth Ugbo
An Israeli air strike killed Alireza Tangsiri on Wednesday night in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Israel carried out the attack during its ongoing war with Iran, targeting senior naval officers. According to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, the strike aimed to weaken Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have not confirmed the killing.
Israeli Strike Targets Iran’s Naval Command
Israel said the strike hit key naval assets and commanders. Katz stated that Tangsiri played a central role in blocking shipping routes.
Additionally, Israeli forces have intensified attacks on Iran’s naval infrastructure in recent days. These strikes targeted missile-equipped ships and patrol vessels.
According to US Central Command chief Brad Cooper, US operations have destroyed about 92 percent of Iran’s large naval vessels.
Iran Yet to Confirm Tangsiri’s Death
However, uncertainty remains. Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed Tangsiri’s death.
Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi said confirmation would mark another major loss for Iran. The country has already lost several top military figures.
Among those reportedly killed are Gholamreza Soleimani and Esmail Khatib in earlier Israeli strikes.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate
Tangsiri reportedly oversaw operations in Bandar Abbas before his death. He played a key role in Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has blocked vessels linked to the US and Israel. However, it allows limited passage for other ships.
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi claimed Iran charges ships for safe passage. Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Iranian tankers still pass through the strait.
As a result, global energy prices have surged.
Rising Civilian Casualties in Iran
The human toll continues to grow. Iran reports at least 1,937 deaths within one month.
According to Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian, victims include 452 women and children. Additionally, over 24,800 people have suffered injuries.
Recent reports confirmed the deaths of two teenage boys in Shiraz, highlighting the war’s civilian impact.
Tangsiri’s Role in Iran’s Naval Strategy
Tangsiri led the IRGC navy for years. He developed Iran’s maritime defence strategy and drone capabilities.
He also managed operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. His leadership shaped Iran’s naval posture against Western forces.
Despite surviving earlier assassination attempts in 2025 and 2026, he was eventually killed, according to Israeli reports.
