Iran defence minister Amir Nasirzadeh killed in US-Israel strikes: Reports

Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammed Pakpour were killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on Saturday, Reuters reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

Nasirzadeh had previously served as deputy chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces before assuming the role of defence minister. He reportedly began his military career as a fighter pilot.

The United States and Israel carried out coordinated attacks targeting senior Iranian leaders, triggering a sharp escalation. Tehran responded by firing missiles at Israel and at neighboring Gulf countries that host US military bases.

US President Donald Trump said the strikes were intended to eliminate a security threat to the United States and prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. He urged Iranian security forces to lay down their arms and called on citizens to move against their government after the bombing campaign.

The operation was initially reported as a surprise Israeli assault but was later confirmed to be a joint military action authorized by Washington. Trump had been warning of possible intervention since anti-government protests began spreading across Iran in late December 2025.

In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israel and at several Gulf Arab allies of the United States hosting American bases. Explosions linked to the Iranian response were reported in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

An Israeli official, cited by Reuters, said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were also targeted, though the outcome of those strikes was unclear. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters earlier that Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been moved to a secure location.

An Iranian source close to the establishment said several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials were killed. Iranian state media reported that 40 people died in an Israeli airstrike on a school, though Reuters said it could not independently verify those claims.