Who was Mohammad Pakpour? IRGC chief killed in airstrike, claim Israeli officials

The commander-in-chief of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Mohammad Pakpour has been killed, according to Israel officials.

Who was Mohammad Pakpour?

Mohammad Pakpour succeeded Hossein Salami as the commander-in-chief of IRGC after he was killed by Israel at the beginning of the 12-day war in June. He was appointed IRGC head on June 13, 2025. 

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With a PhD in Political Geography, Pakpour joined the IRGC in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution. He also served during the Iran-Iraq War.

Israeli officials also believe that Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami and chief of intelligence have also been killed in the strikes. However, these claims have not been verified by the Israeli military IDF nor have they been confirmed by Iran.

Reports had earlier claimed that the airstrikes also targeted top leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. These have not been confirmed by either sides.

After the strikes by the US and Israel, IRGC said Tehran's retaliation will "continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated." It targeted US military and air bases in the Gulf countries, including, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. "All US bases, resources, and interests throughout the region are considered legitimate targets for Iranian army," stated IRGC.