Israel Claims Killing of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib
Israel reports the assassination of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib in a targeted airstrike, amid escalating regional tensions.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces have killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib in a targeted airstrike. Katz stated that Khatib played a significant role in orchestrating internal crackdowns on protests and targeting dissidents abroad.
Iran has not yet confirmed Khatib's death. This incident follows the recent assassinations of other high-ranking Iranian officials, including security chief Ali Larijani and Basij militia leader Gholamreza Soleimani.
In response to these targeted killings, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf nations. These retaliatory strikes resulted in casualties, including two deaths near Tel Aviv.
The escalating conflict has led to significant regional instability, with casualties surpassing 2,200 in Iran and Lebanon. International actors, including France and Russia, have condemned aspects of the conflict and called for de-escalation.
