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Israel's military said Thursday it had killed a senior Iranian naval commander in a targeted strike, describing him as a central figure behind attempts to halt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces, Alireza Tangsiri, who led the naval arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, was killed in an operation in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The military accused him of orchestrating attacks on maritime routes and energy infrastructure across the region.
Israeli officials said the strike was part of a broader campaign aimed at weakening Iran's military capabilities amid ongoing hostilities that began in late February. The country's defense leadership claimed Tangsiri played a direct role in enforcing what has effectively become a blockade of the narrow but critical waterway.
Iran has not yet commented on the reported killing.
The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, is one of the world's most important اtransit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies. Since the escalation of conflict, shipping traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, with reports indicating a dramatic decline in daily vessel movement.
The disruption has sent energy prices higher, raising concerns about the broader economic impact of the conflict far beyond the Middle East.
Israel also said another senior figure, identified as Behnam Rezaei, who headed naval intelligence within the Revolutionary Guard, was killed in the same operation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike demonstrated continued coordination with the United States, calling it part of a joint effort to achieve wartime objectives. U.S. Central Command later confirmed Tangsiri's death, stating it would contribute to regional stability.
