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Senior Iranian commander dies amid Israel-US military action
February 28, 2026: Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in strikes carried out by Israel and the United States on Saturday, according to Israeli broadcaster N12. Pakpour, considered one of the most powerful figures in Iran, had led the IRGC for 260 days at the time of his death. His killing marks a significant escalation in the widening confrontation in the region.
Pakpour was promoted to the rank of major general in 2025 by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei after the elimination of his predecessor, Hussein Salami. At the time of his appointment, he was tasked with strengthening the IRGC’s operational readiness and internal cohesion. Just weeks before his reported death, Pakpour had warned Israel and the United States against any “miscalculation,” asserting that Iran stood ready with its “finger on the trigger.”
Earlier on Saturday, an air strike was reported near Khamenei’s office in Tehran, with reports suggesting the 86-year-old leader had been moved to a secure location outside the capital. He has not appeared publicly in recent days as tensions intensified. The developments underscore the deepening military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.