Profile of Iranian Defence Minister and IRGC Commander Killed in US-Israeli Attack

Several Iranian officials, including armed forces commanders, were killed in a sudden US-Israeli attack on Teheran. In addition to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the US-Israeli assault resulted in the deaths of Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohammed Pakpour.

Nasirzadeh was born in Sarab in 1964 and began his military career as a fighter pilot. His career advanced rapidly, eventually leading to his appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces. A key figure in Teheran’s defence establishment, Nasirzadeh was appointed Defence Minister by President Masoud Pezeshkian on 21 August 2024, replacing Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani.

Nasirzadeh was vocal in threatening the United States and Israel. During escalating tensions with the US in mid-2025, he threatened to attack American military bases.

Pakpour was born in Arak in 1961 and was appointed IRGC Commander by Ali Khamenei in June 2025 following the assassination of Hossein Salami in an Israeli air strike. At that time, he was instructed to “enhance the IRGC’s capabilities, readiness, and internal cohesion”.

The IRGC is considered one of Iran’s most powerful armed forces branches. It operates independently from Iran’s regular armed forces and reports solely to the office of the Supreme Leader. Tasked with protecting Iran’s political system, the IRGC exercises broad authority across Iran’s entire security structure, including oversight of missile capabilities and a wide network of allied armed groups beyond Iran’s borders.

Last month, Pakpour had warned the US and Israel against making “miscalculations” following major demonstrations in the country. He stated that IRGC forces had their “finger on the trigger”, indicating high readiness.