Israel says it killed Iran intelligence Chief, vows to target more officials
Israel has announced the killing of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, as part of what it described as a strategy to eliminate top-ranking officials in Tehran amid the ongoing conflict between both countries.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the government had authorised its military to target and eliminate any senior Iranian official without requiring further approval once intelligence and operational conditions are met.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official… without the need for additional approval,” Katz said, adding, “We will continue to thwart them and to hunt them all down.”
Israel also declared its intention to pursue Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has reportedly not appeared in public since succeeding his father. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said, “We will track him down, find him, and neutralize him.”
In response, Iran vowed retaliation over Khatib’s death and that of other senior officials killed earlier, including National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, whose death has been described as a significant loss to the country.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killings as “cowardly assassination” and promised a decisive response, while army chief Amir Hatami warned that retaliation would be “decisive and regrettable.”
“The pure blood of this great martyr… will be a source of honour, power and national awakening,” Hatami said.
Reacting to Larijani’s death, Khamenei described him as an “intelligent, committed individual,” warning that those responsible would “soon pay” for the killing.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump suggested that allies should take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz if Washington’s actions lead to regime change in Iran, as NATO members discuss measures to keep the vital oil route open.
In a separate development, UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Trump over his repeated attacks on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing them as childish.
The developments signal a sharp escalation in tensions in the Middle East, with both Israel and Iran exchanging threats and vowing further action.
