Israel Kills of Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib

• Israel says it has killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, though Iranian authorities have yet to confirm the claim amid rising regional tensions.

Israel has announced the killing of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, according to a statement by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday.

As of the time of filing this report, Iranian authorities have not officially responded to the claim.

The development comes shortly after Israel said it had also eliminated top Iranian security figure Ali Larijani and the head of the paramilitary Basij force, signaling an escalation in hostilities between both countries.

Katz hinted at further developments, stating that “significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all fronts,” without providing additional details.

Reports indicate that Khatib had previously been sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury in 2022 over alleged involvement in cyber operations targeting the United States and its allies. He was also accused of directing networks engaged in cyber espionage and ransomware attacks.

The Israeli military, which also confirmed the killing, described Iran’s Intelligence Ministry as a body with extensive global operations, including activities targeting Israel.

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It further alleged that Khatib played a key role in internal security operations in Iran, including actions taken during protests, as well as shaping intelligence assessments for the government.

The U.S. Treasury has previously described Iran’s Intelligence Ministry as one of the country’s primary security agencies, accusing it of involvement in human rights abuses, including crackdowns on activists, journalists, and minority groups.

Khatib, a Shiite cleric, held various roles within Iran’s judiciary and intelligence structure and previously served in the Revolutionary Guard during the Iran-Iraq War, where he was reportedly wounded.

The claim, if confirmed, marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, raising concerns over potential further escalation in the region.