Iran Loses Intel Minister Esmail Khatib in Israeli Strike

Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, has been killed in an Israeli air strike, President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed. He described the attack as a “cowardly assassination” and said Iran is in deep mourning.

According to Israeli officials, the strike took place in Tehran. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel is targeting senior Iranian leadership and may continue such operations without further approval.

The death of Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, comes shortly after Israel claimed it had also killed key figures including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani.

The conflict has escalated rapidly since the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February. Since then, multiple top officials and military commanders have been killed in continued strikes linked to Israel and the United States.

In a statement on X, President Pezeshkian offered condolences to the nation and said the mission of those killed would continue with strength.

The Israel Defense Forces said Iran’s intelligence ministry was involved in suppressing protests and accused Esmail Khatib of playing a major role in arrests and killings during past crackdowns.

Khatib was appointed in 2021 by former president Ebrahim Raisi. He had held several senior intelligence roles and was sanctioned by the US in 2022 over alleged cyber operations.

Funerals were held in Tehran for the killed leaders and others who died in recent attacks. Iran says over 1,300 people have been killed so far, while the Human Rights Activists News Agency reports even higher figures.

Iran has launched retaliatory strikes across the region, including attacks in Israel and drone activity in Gulf countries.

Global markets have also been affected, with oil prices rising sharply due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy supply.

Tensions remain high, and the situation is expected to develop further in the coming days.