IRGC Chief Mohammad Pakpour killed in US-Israel strikes: Reports

Pakpour had assumed leadership of the IRGC after Israel killed his predecessor, Hossein Salami, at the outset of the June 2025 war, The Times of Israel reported.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Iranian authorities have not independently verified the commander’s death.

Iran has launched its first wave of missile and drone strikes following U.S. and Israeli military operations against the country, significantly escalating tensions across the Middle East.

The IRGC, responding to what it described as “U.S.-Israeli aggression and criminal acts,” initiated attacks targeting Israeli-held territories, according to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

Confirming incoming fire, the IDF said on X that “an additional barrage of missiles was launched toward Israel,” adding that its aerial defense systems were actively identifying and intercepting threats.

The Iranian Embassy stated that a U.S. military base in Bahrain had been targeted.

UAE, Qatar Intercept Missiles

The conflict quickly widened, with multiple Gulf nations reporting interceptions of suspected Iranian missiles.

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence confirmed it had intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles targeting the country. In a statement posted on X, the ministry described the attack as “blatant,” adding that air defence systems responded “with high efficiency.”

Authorities also responded to debris that fell in a residential area of Abu Dhabi, causing material damage and the death of an Asian national. The UAE said the overall security situation remains under control.

According to Al Jazeera, multiple explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Reports also indicated an explosion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The escalation followed confirmation from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz that Israel had launched strikes on Iran.

US President Donald Trump subsequently confirmed U.S. participation in the operation.

Multiple Iranian cities were reportedly hit, including the capital, Tehran. Missiles struck areas such as University Street and Republic Square, according to media reports.

The rapid exchange of strikes and counterstrikes marks a significant escalation in hostilities, heightening fears of a broader regional war in the Middle East.