Iran defence minister Amir Nasirzadeh killed in US-Israel strikes: Reports

Iran defence minister dead: Nasirzadeh was the deputy of chief of staff for the Iranian armed forces before taking charge as the minister of defence.

Updated on: Feb 28, 2026, 21:41:23 IST

Edited by Nayanika Sengupta

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Iran's defence minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were killed in US-Israel strikes on Saturday, Reuters reported three sources familiar with the matter said.

A satellite image shows black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran (via REUTERS)

Nasirzadeh was the deputy of chief of staff for the Iranian armed forces before taking charge as the minister of defence. The minister reportedly began his military carrier as a fighter pilot.

US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, targeting its top leaders and sparking a deadly chain raction with Tehran responding with missiles fired at Israel and neighbouring Gulf countries housing US bases. Track latest in Middle East conflict here

US President Donald Trump said the strikes were aimed at ending a security threat to the United States and ensuring Iran could not develop a nuclear weapon.

He called on Iranian security forces to lay down their weapons and invited Iranians to topple their government once the bombing ended.

What were first reported to be surprise strikes by Israel launched on Iran were later confirmed to be a joint military action by US President Donald Trump who had been threatening Tehran of intervention since anti-government protests began spreading there since late December 2025.

Iran responded to the strikes by launching missiles at Israel and at several Gulf Arab allies of the United States that host American bases. Explosions, part of the Iranian retaliation, were heard in UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait among other places.

An Israeli official, cited in a Reuters report, said Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were both targeted but the result of the strikes was not clear

. A source with knowledge of the matter had earlier told Reuters that Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a secure location.

An Iranian source close to the establishment said several senior commanders in Iran's Revolutionary Guards and political officials had been killed. Iranian state media said 40 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school. Reuters could not independently confirm the reports.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nayanika Sengupta
Nayanika is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, with over six years of experience in the digital media industry. She specialises in delivering clear, insightful coverage across general, national, and international beats, with a strong focus on breaking news and in-depth explainers. Known for her ability to decode complex developments, she enjoys unpacking layered political and policy issues into accessible, reader-friendly narratives that inform without overwhelming. She has previously worked in India's leading newsrooms, including India Today, News18, and Outlook, where she chased news, covered major events of the past six years and led teams. With a Master's degree in Political Science, Nayanika has a keen interest in international relations and global affairs. Her academic grounding shapes her analytical approach to stories, enabling her to connect the dots between domestic events and broader geopolitical currents. She is particularly drawn to stories that require context, nuance, and clarity - turning complicated subjects into compelling reads. Outside the newsroom, Nayanika is a passionate gourmand who loves cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. When she's not writing or tracking the latest headlines, she can often be found exploring local markets for fresh ingredients, seeking inspiration for her next culinary experiment.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.