Iran’s top commander Ali Mohammad Naini killed in US-Israel attack

March 20, 2026

New Delhi: Ali Mohammad Naini was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes, Iranian state media reported on Friday. His death came hours after he issued a defiant warning challenging US naval claims in the Gulf.

Naini “was martyred in the criminal cowardly terrorist attack by the American-Zionist side at dawn”, the IRGC said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP.

The brigadier-general had openly mocked Donald Trump’s assertion that Iran’s navy had been destroyed, daring Washington to deploy ships into the Persian Gulf. He had also insisted Iran continued producing missiles despite ongoing strikes.

“Didn’t Trump say that Iran’s navy has been destroyed? If so, let him send his ships into the Persian Gulf if he dares,” Naini was quoted as saying.

“Our missile industry deserves a perfect score… and there is no concern in this regard, because even under wartime conditions we continue missile production,” he added.

Many big leaders killed in continuous attacks
The developments follow a series of US–Israeli strikes that have eliminated several senior Iranian figures since the death of Ali Khamenei on 28 February.

On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the killing of Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib in Tehran, alleging his role in suppressing protests and directing overseas operations.

Earlier this week, security chief Ali Larijani and Basij leader Gholamreza Soleimani were also killed.

President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the deaths, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s system remains strong despite leadership losses.

Increased tension in Gulf region, threat of oil crisis
Tensions have escalated further after Israel targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, triggering retaliation and raising fears of a wider energy crisis. Oil prices surged amid concerns over disruptions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

A Kuwaiti refinery at Mina Al-Ahmadi was hit by Iranian drones, causing a fire, while sirens sounded across Israel warning of incoming attacks. Explosions were also reported over Tehran during the Persian New Year.

In the Gulf region, Dubai’s air defense systems intercepted projectiles, Bahrain reported a warehouse fire due to missile debris, and Saudi Arabia said it shot down multiple drones targeting its eastern region.