Top Iran IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour Among Senior Iranian Military Figures Killed: Israel

Iran's military leadership suffered a major blow on Saturday after Israel claimed it had killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Mohammad Pakpour during its ongoing strikes inside Iran. The development comes amid widening confrontation involving Israel, the United States and Tehran, with military sites and command centres reportedly targeted across the country.

Pakpour was considered one of the most influential figures within Iran's security establishment and had been leading the powerful force for just over eight months.

Pakpour Led IRGC After Previous Commander's Death

Mohammad Pakpour had served as IRGC commander for 260 days. He took over the post following the elimination of former commander Hussein Salami and was later elevated to the rank of major general by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2025.

Iran's top leadership had tasked him to "enhance the capabilities, readiness, and internal cohesion of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)." Under his brief tenure, he was seen as central to strengthening Iran's military preparedness during rising regional tensions.

The IRGC plays a critical role in Iran's defence doctrine and oversees missile forces, strategic deterrence programmes and regional proxy networks.

Recent Warning To Israel And US

Only weeks before the reported strike, Pakpour had issued a public warning directed at both Israel and the United States. He cautioned them "to avoid any miscalculation" and declared the Islamic Republic "stands more ready than ever" with "finger on the trigger".

The remarks reflected Tehran's increasingly confrontational posture as hostilities escalated across the region.

Strike Near Khamenei's Office

Earlier on Saturday, an air strike was also reported near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. According to reports, the 86-year-old leader had already been moved out of the capital and taken to a secure location.

Khamenei has not appeared publicly for several days as tensions between Iran and the United States intensified, fuelling speculation about the scale of the ongoing military operation and the possibility of further escalation.