Iran Defense Minister Nasirzadeh and IRGC Commander Pakpour Named Among Killed in Opening Strikes

Three sources confirmed to Al Arabiya that Iranian Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and IRGC Commander General Mohammad Pakpour were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the opening hours of Operation Epic Fury. Pakpour had been appointed IRGC commander in 2025 and oversaw strategic missile capabilities and coordination with allied militias. An Israeli military official said 'several senior figures essential to the management of the campaign and the regime's governance were eliminated.' Iran has not officially confirmed the deaths.