Sepah News, the media outlet of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recently confirmed that Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC navy, "died from severe injuries sustained in an attack." The circumstances leading to his injuries were not disclosed.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri. *Photo: Tehran Times*

On 26/3, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the country's military killed Rear Admiral Tangsiri along with several high-ranking Iranian naval commanders in a "precise and effective strike." The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, later confirmed Tangsiri's death.

Al Jazeera reported that Rear Admiral Tangsiri played a key role in Iran's efforts to develop its naval doctrine, which emphasized controlling the Strait of Hormuz. He was also apparently responsible for projects developing unmanned equipment for maritime combat operations.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

Last week, Iran announced that "non-hostile vessels" could traverse Hormuz if they coordinated with Tehran and adhered to published security regulations. Vessels linked to the United States and Israel, as well as other parties involved in the conflict, were not permitted free passage through the waterway.

The IRGC transformed the strait into a checkpoint. Vessels wishing to pass must submit cargo details, crew lists, and destinations to IRGC-licensed intermediaries. They then receive a transit code and an escort.

At least two vessels reportedly paid 2 million USD each, in yuan, for this privilege of crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's parliament is seeking to legalize the arrangement to turn it into a potential revenue source.

By Ngoc Anh (Based on Times of Israel, AFP, Reuters)