Iranian defence minister and Revolutionary Guard commander killed, sources say

According to several sources, two of the most influential figures in the Iranian 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 so far.

If the reports prove to be true, the development would mark one of the most severe blows to the Iranian leadership in recent years. The Revolutionary Guards are a pillar of the Iranian armed forces and a central instrument of the regime’s influence in the region.

(reuters, pir)