Iran’s intelligence chief killed, says Israel
Israel on Wednesday claimed it had killed Iran’s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib in an overnight strike, marking what could be the third high-profile assassination of a senior Iranian figure within 24 hours.If confirmed, Khatib’s death would follow the reported killings of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, both key figures in Iran’s political and security establishment.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had authorised the military to target additional senior Iranian officials without further approvals, signalling an escalation in operations.“Significant developments are expected across all arenas as the campaign against Iran and Hezbollah escalates,” Katz said, adding that strikes inside Iran are increasing in scale and intensity.
The conflict, now in its third week, has reportedly left over 2,000 people dead, with no immediate
resolution in sight. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz-a key global energy route-have raised concerns over oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.In the United States, President Donald Trump ????? a tougher stance on Iran in a social media post, while reiterating criticism of allied burden-sharing in protecting key maritime routes.
Israeli defence sources said recent strikes were enabled by precise intelligence targeting senior Iranian leadership. Khatib, appointed in 2021 under former president Ebrahim Raisi, was closely linked to Iran’s security apparatus, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Israel’s military described Iran’s intelligence ministry as central to internal repression and external covert operations, alleging its role in surveillance and actions targeting Israeli interests.
Fighting has spread across the region. Iran has launched fresh missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf states, with Israeli authorities reporting civilian casualties, including two elderly people killed near Tel Aviv.In Beirut, Israeli airstrikes hit central areas early Wednesday, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens in one of the heaviest bombardments in recent years.
Israel has also warned of imminent strikes in southern Lebanon, including along the Litani River, targeting movements by Hezbollah. Civilians have been urged to move north as hostilities intensify.
The rapid succession of targeted killings and retaliatory attacks highlights the widening scope of the conflict, raising fears of broader regional destabilisation.
