The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the elimination of Esmaeil Khatib, Iran’s Minister of Intelligence, in a precision strike carried out in the Iranian capital of Tehran.
In a statement posted on social media, the IDF described Khatib as a key figure in the Iranian regime and said he was killed in a targeted operation. According to the IDF, Khatib played a central role in the violent suppression of recent protests across Iran, including the arrest and killing of demonstrators. He was also accused of directing terrorist activities against Israelis and Americans worldwide.
The statement further noted that Khatib was involved in the regime’s crackdown on citizens during the 2022–2023 protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, which he led, is said to possess advanced surveillance, espionage, and covert operations capabilities, frequently directed against Israeli, American, and Iranian targets.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has reportedly confirmed the killing, describing it as part of ongoing strikes on senior Iranian officials amid escalating conflict between the two countries. Multiple media outlets have cited Israeli sources confirming the strike took place overnight.
Khatib, a cleric born in 1961, had served as Minister of Intelligence since August 2021. He previously held senior roles in Iran’s security apparatus, including positions linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence and the Office of the Supreme Leader.
There has been no immediate official confirmation or denial from Iranian authorities regarding his death. The strike forms part of a broader wave of Israeli operations against high-ranking Iranian figures in recent weeks, as tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified into direct military confrontation.
This development is likely to further destabilise Iran’s leadership at a time of internal political transition and external pressure. Further details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.
by Daily Justice
- Supreme Court to deliver judgment in Senator David Mark appeal and other political cases tomorrow
- Nigerian man sentenced to nearly two years in US prison for selling fake nursing diplomas and licences
- IDF soldiers removed from duty after vandalising Christian statue in Lebanese village
- Tinubu sacks Edun and Dangiwa in cabinet reshuffle, Elevates Oyedele as Finance Minister
- Peter Obi Condemns ‘Institutionalised Corruption’ as Nigeria Loses ₦34.44 Trillion in Revenue
