IRGC confirms commander Alireza Tangsiri’s death amid escalating conflict

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday confirmed the death of Alireza Tangsiri, a rear admiral, days after Israel said its strikes had killed him on March 26.

In a statement aired on state television, the IRGC said Tangsiri succumbed to severe injuries, adding that he had “joined the ranks of Allah.” The force praised his role in strengthening Iran’s grip over the Strait of Hormuz, warning of further action in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump suggested that US forces could consider seizing Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, saying Washington had multiple options. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said the island could be taken “very easily,” though such a move would likely require a sustained military presence.

The US has previously carried out airstrikes on military targets on Kharg Island. Iran has warned it could respond with ground operations in Gulf countries and even mine the Persian Gulf if American troops land on its soil. Analysts caution that capturing and holding the island would be difficult, given its proximity to the Iranian mainland and exposure to missile, drone and artillery fire.

Trump also claimed that Iran had agreed to allow oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of goodwill, though he remained wary of Tehran’s reliability in negotiations.

Separately, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed ongoing diplomatic efforts, alleging they were a cover for increased US troop deployment, and warned of strong retaliation if American forces enter the region.

The conflict has continued to intensify across the region, with Iran launching attacks and Gulf states responding. Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles targeting its eastern oil region, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens. In Dubai, air defences intercepted incoming missiles, resulting in visible explosions.

In Kuwait, an Iranian strike hit a power and desalination plant, killing one worker and injuring several others, according to the Kuwait News Agency.

Israel has also stepped up its offensive, targeting military infrastructure across Tehran. Iranian media reported that a petrochemical facility in Tabriz was hit, though no hazardous leaks were detected.

In Lebanon, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed and three others injured in an explosion in the south, as fighting continues following Israel’s ground operations against Hezbollah.

Amid the widening conflict, UAE minister Noura Al Kaabi called for dismantling Iran’s missile programme, criticising Tehran’s attacks and its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The ongoing war has taken a heavy toll, with thousands killed across Iran, Israel, Lebanon and Iraq, and casualties also reported in Gulf countries. The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets, with oil prices surging sharply due to concerns over supply through the Strait of Hormuz.

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Pakistan expected to host talks between the US and Iran in the coming days, though it remains unclear whether these will be direct negotiations.