Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri has come under renewed discussion after Israel reportedly claimed responsibility for his killing. Tangsiri has led the IRGC Navy since 2018, following his tenure as deputy commander from 2010. His leadership has been marked by strong statements regarding Iran’s maritime sovereignty, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian media, a social media account under his name became active on X (formerly Twitter) on March 10 this year, where he made several posts about the Strait of Hormuz. In one post, he asserted that ships linked to aggressors against Iran had no right to pass through the waterway. Tangsiri has long been known for his outspoken stance against the United States and Israel.

In 2019, he warned that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz if its oil exports were blocked. That same year, after Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone near the strait, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Tangsiri and several other IRGC commanders.