Iran has officially confirmed the death of its naval commander Alireza Tangsiri, four days after Israel claimed responsibility for his killing. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement through the Tasnim news agency acknowledging that Tangsiri died from the severity of an attack while organizing his forces and strengthening coastal defenses.

The IRGC statement added that despite Tangsiri’s absence, its naval units continue to deliver strong blows and maintain full control over the Strait of Hormuz. The force vowed not to rest until its enemies are completely destroyed. Tangsiri had been overseeing vessel movements through the strategic waterway and had previously declared that ships linked to aggressors against Iran had no right to pass through it.

Known for his outspoken stance against the United States and Israel, Tangsiri was among senior IRGC commanders sanctioned by Washington in 2019 after Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone near the strait.