Iran Intelligence Chief Esmail Khatib Dies in Strike

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

Israel said the strike was carried out in Tehran. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel is targeting senior Iranian leaders and warned that such operations could continue without further approval.

The death of Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, comes just one day after Israel claimed it had killed other key Iranian figures, including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani.

Tensions have sharply increased since the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February. Since then, multiple high-ranking officials and military commanders have been killed in ongoing strikes linked to Israel and the United States.

In a post on X, President Pezeshkian expressed condolences and said the mission of those killed would continue with strength.

The Israel Defense Forces accused Iran’s intelligence ministry of supporting repression and actions against protesters. It also claimed that Esmail Khatib played a key role in arrests and killings during recent protests.

Khatib was appointed in 2021 by former president Ebrahim Raisi. He held several senior roles in Iran’s intelligence system and was sanctioned by the United States in 2022 over alleged cyber activities.

Funerals were held in Tehran for the killed officials and others who died in recent attacks. According to Iran, more than 1,300 people have died in the conflict so far. However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported even higher numbers, including civilians and military personnel.

Iran has responded with strikes across the Middle East. Attacks have been reported in Israel, while drone activity has been seen in several Gulf countries.

The conflict has also impacted global markets. Oil prices have risen sharply due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global energy supply.