Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday confirmed the death of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri, as spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denounced the wider military campaign as an "act of aggression".
Speaking at a regular press conference in Tehran, Baghaei made the remarks when asked to characterize the killing in legal terms.
"From a legal perspective, I draw your attention to the very point I mentioned. Fundamentally, the entire framework is illegal and unjust. Whatever occurs within this framework constitutes a war crime. The war itself is illegal and unjust. In legal terminology, this war is an act of aggression -- an aggressive act -- and an unlawful use of force," said Esmaeil Baghaei.
The IRGC said Tangsiri, 64, died from severe injuries sustained while organizing and strengthening naval defenses along islands and coastlines targeted by hostile forces. In a statement published by its official outlet Sepah News, the corps extended condolences for his "martyrdom" and praised the "heavy blows" its naval forces dealt to U.S. and Israeli facilities under his command.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that Israel's military killed Tangsiri in an overnight airstrike, adding that other senior navy officials also died in the attack.
Iran confirms death of IRGC navy commander, denounces US, Israeli "act of aggression"
