Iranian Admiral Removed by Israel’s Military
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yisrael Katz, announced on Thursday that Iran’s Admiral Alireza Tansiri, who led the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) naval unit, has been removed as the main official obstructing the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement confirming Katz’s claims, indicating that the elimination of the Revolutionary Guard terrorists was facilitated by “cooperation with us and our ally the United States.”
Tansiri had consistently threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global trade. His threats have contributed to rising global oil prices, significantly impacting supplies in East Asia. Countries like South Korea and China have expressed strong opposition to such disruptions, warning against actions affecting their economic activities.
This removal adds Tansiri to a long list of Iranian military and civilian officials killed since the announcement of Operation Epic Fury by President Donald Trump. Initially launched on February 28, this operation aimed to diminish Iran’s ability to fund terrorism. Notably, on the same day, Trump stated that Iran’s “supreme leader,” Ayatollah Khamenei, had been ousted, leaving the nation without clear leadership. Although Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, has been named as the next leader, he hasn’t made public appearances, raising questions about his condition.
“The individual directly accountable for the terrorist activities causing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has been eliminated,” Katz commented, noting that Tansiri’s death was part of a “precise” operation targeting additional Revolutionary Guards leaders. This group is recognized as Iran’s most formidable military faction and is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Katz warned the Iranian regime, stating, “The Israel Defense Forces will hunt you down and eliminate you one by one.” He affirmed that Israel’s operations in Iran would continue with unwavering determination to fulfill their military objectives.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated the military’s action against Tansiri, indicating that he bore significant responsibility and had led the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. He described this incident as another example of cooperation with the U.S. towards shared military goals.
As of now, the Iranian government has not confirmed Tansiri’s removal. However, he has been a prominently featured figure in state media, especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Just before Katz’s announcement, Tansiri had made comments asserting that the Revolutionary Guards would continue to impede normal shipping through the waterways.
On March 11, Tansiri had declared that ships intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain authorization from Iran. He also announced plans to target oil facilities in the Middle East associated with the U.S., further escalating tensions following Iran’s missile and drone responses to Operation Epic Fury.
Reports of Tansiri’s threats to shipping in the Strait date back to before the operation’s initiation. He claimed that the Revolutionary Guards had complete surveillance over the area, suggesting that Iran had eyes on every vessel passing through.
Israel’s announcement of Tansiri’s removal comes amid rumors of Iran seeking negotiations to conclude hostilities with the U.S. Pakistani officials have reportedly been mediating, with a proposed 15-point plan on the table. However, Iranian state media have stated that Iran is not interested in the U.S. proposal and intends to put forth its own conditions for peace, including reparations and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
