Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirms death of navy commander Alireza Tangsiri

CAIRO – 30 March 2026: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard confirmed the death of its Navy Commander, Alireza Tangsiri, according Al-Qahera News Channel.

The Revolutionary Guard mourned the death of its naval commander, Ali Reza Tangsiri, on Monday, asserting that his blood would remain a “driving force” to continue the fight against aggression, amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel.

According to the IRGC statement, Tangsiri, who "dedicated nearly half a century to the fields of jihad and defense," succumbed to wounds sustained while performing his duties. The statement noted he was engaged in "organizing forces and strengthening defenses on Iranian islands and coasts," areas that have been targeted in recent days following Iranian strikes against "the enemy."

On Thursday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the killing of Tangsiri following an airstrike.

“Last night, in a precise and lethal operation, the IDF eliminated the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' navy, Tangsiri, along with senior officers of the naval command," Katz said in a video statement.

“The man who was directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz to shipping was blown up and eliminated.”

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, stressing that any attempt to traverse the waterway would be met with “strict measures,” according to Al Qahera News Channel.

In an official statement, the IRGC noted that three container ships of various nationalities attempted to sail toward the strait on Friday but were forced to turn back after receiving warnings from IRGC naval forces.

The Revolutionary Guard emphasized that the closure is absolute and any violation will be met with a "firm response." The statement further clarified that IRGC forces will prevent any vessels from passing to or from ports of countries allied with or supporting the United States and Israel.

This escalation follows comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, where he announced a delay to a previous ultimatum. President Trump stated he would push back the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before facing the potential destruction of its power plants.

“As per the Iranian Government's request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, “Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media and others, they are going very well.”