Iran defence chief and Guard commander killed, sources say

According to several sources, two of the most influential figures in Iran’s security apparatus – Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour – were killed in the Israeli attacks.

The information was provided by two sources close to Israeli military operations and one regional source. There has been no official confirmation.

If confirmed, the deaths would represent one of the most serious blows to the Iranian leadership in recent years. The Revolutionary Guards are a pillar of Iran’s armed forces and a central instrument of the regime’s regional influence.

(reuters, pir)