Reports have emerged that Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s Defense Minister, was killed during an alleged joint strike by Israel and the United States on Iranian soil.

Iranian authorities have not yet released full official details. However, foreign media reports say the attack targeted key defense installations inside Iran. The strike is being described as part of a wider and more intense military campaign.

The Israeli army chief claimed that the ongoing operation in Iran is different from past wars and much broader in scope. He said a major attack against Iran’s defense system has been completed.

On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told American media that Iran may have lost some commanders, but said it is not a major issue. He described the US and Israeli attack as “unprovoked, illegal and a clear violation of international law”.

Read more: Russia slams US-Israel attack on Iran, fears wider regional war

Araghchi stressed that Iran’s actions are defensive in nature. He said every sovereign state has the right to defend itself. He also added that Iran has had a bitter experience in negotiations with the US in the past. Because of this, American bases in the region are now being targeted as part of Iran’s self-defense.

The situation has created fresh uncertainty in the Middle East. If confirmed, the death of a senior defense official could mark a serious turning point in the conflict.

If such a top leader has been killed, it may change the course of the conflict. Iran may respond more strongly. Trust between countries is already low. Without dialogue, the crisis may grow deeper and more dangerous.