Iran defence minister, Guards commander killed in Israeli attacks, three sources say - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMizgFBVV95cUxPQnExTzQ1Szh6VUF0ZGpYb3N3UV9QTE1BRl81TGlnRF9vbE9BUlo3M3dDbm9haEQyd0xIWEpXZS0tVmxBZi1kbW1GaGtjUVZVWHVMckRTT09Xc2JMQmFMMVVaMWdYLWQyUEVWVkI0TWlFS3ZBX3JZNEZtMW1ESll0eWpqLUh4Rm5UM3NkYTI3ZjRJeG1ES2hHYWdJakxUcUQ4R0FTaUVXZUdaV0t5WkVHaGJsazY1My1Qbkxycld2VnMyRmRNOTZOdHRsczBCdw?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran defence minister, Guards commander killed in Israeli attacks, three sources say</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the U.S. and Israel launched a massive joint attack on Iran, targeting military and leadership sites. Israeli officials claim Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, though Iran denies this. President Trump supported the reports of Khamenei's death and said much of Iran’s leadership is 'gone.' Israeli strikes also reportedly killed top Iranian figures, including the Revolutionary Guard commander and the defense minister.

Nasirzadeh was the Deputy of Chief of Staff for the Iranian Armed forces before taking charge as the Minister of Defence. The Minister began his military career as a fighter pilot. Pakpour had assumed command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 2025 after taking over following the death of the previous commander, Hossein Salami, due to Israeli strikes.

Amir Nasirzadeh is Iran's Defence Minister. Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in Israeli attacks, two sources familiar with Israel's military operations and one regional source said.

Nasirzadeh was the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Iranian Armed Forces before becoming the Minister of Defence. The minister began his military career as a fighter pilot. Pakpour assumed command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 2025 after taking over following the death of the previous commander, Hossein Salami, due to Israeli strikes.