Israel says IRGC Navy's commander, other chiefs killed; Qalibaf said removed from hit list

Key Points:

• Israel announced the killing of Adm. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, in an airstrike, along with the entire IRGC Navy's top leadership, marking a significant blow to Iran's maritime military capabilities.
• Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated the strike was a clear message that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue to hunt and eliminate senior Iranian figures responsible for terror activities, particularly those threatening navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Despite plans to target Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Israel removed them from its hit list following Pakistan's intervention, as Pakistan requested Washington to hold off to maintain channels for potential peace negotiations.
• Indirect talks between the US and Iran are reportedly ongoing through intermediaries including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, with the US proposing a 15-point plan involving sanctions relief and nuclear program rollback, while Iran has issued counter-demands emphasizing sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and cessation of hostilities.
• US President Donald Trump claimed Iranian negotiators are desperate for a deal after military setbacks, though Iranian officials deny direct negotiations, asserting their policy remains one of continued resistance amid ongoing regional attacks and economic disruptions.