Israel Claims Assassination of Iran's Intelligence Minister Amid Escalating Tensions
Israel reports the killing of Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, marking the third high-ranking Iranian official assassinated in two days, as regional tensions intensify.
Israel has announced the assassination of Iran's Intelligence Minister, Esmaeil Khatib, marking the third high-ranking Iranian official killed in two days. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Khatib was eliminated in a targeted operation.
This follows the deaths of Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary forces, both killed in Israeli airstrikes on March 17.
In response to these assassinations, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf Arab nations, resulting in civilian casualties near Tel Aviv and escalating regional tensions.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has led to significant destabilization in the region, including disruptions in global oil markets and mass displacements.
Israeli officials have indicated that such targeted operations will continue, aiming to dismantle Iran's leadership structure.