Iran Confirms Death Of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib

Iran has confirmed the deaths of several top officials following Israeli strikes, marking a major escalation in tensions in the region.

Among those killed were intelligence minister Esmail Khatib, senior figure Ali Larijani, and military leader Aziz Nasirzadeh. Iranian authorities said a number of their relatives and accompanying staff members were also killed in the attack.

Reacting to the incident, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a "cowardly assassination." In a message posted on X, he expressed deep grief over the loss of key figures in his administration and military establishment.

"The cowardly assassination of my dear colleagues... has left us in deep mourning," he said, referring to the slain officials.

Pezeshkian also addressed the nation, extending condolences to the Iranian public. He described the deceased as martyrs and emphasised that their work and legacy would continue.

"I extend my condolences to the great people of Iran... I am certain their path will continue more steadfastly than before," he added.

The killings of multiple high-ranking officials in a single strike represent a significant development, likely to intensify geopolitical tensions and raise concerns over further escalation in the region.

Earlier, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Katz announced that Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was "eliminated" in an overnight strike, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The Israeli government has not only claimed Khatib's killing but also indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized the military to target other senior Iranian officials without needing further approval.

The IDF released a statement identifying Khatib as a central figure in Iran's domestic security apparatus and international operations. According to Israel, he was involved in suppressing protests within Iran and orchestrating actions against Israeli and American interests abroad. However, Iran has yet to independently confirm Khatib's death.

Khatib, a Shiite cleric and former officer in the Revolutionary Guard, held key roles within Iran's judiciary and intelligence agencies. He was sanctioned by the United States in 2022 for alleged cyber-enabled operations targeting U.S. and allied interests. Analysts warn that his removal could affect Iran's intelligence operations, although the country maintains a layered security structure.