Iran Confirms Assassination Of Intelligence Minister Khatib

Iran has officially confirmed the assassination of its minister of intelligence, Esmail Khatib, following an operation reportedly carried out by Israeli forces.

State television in Iran announced the development on Wednesday, putting to rest earlier speculation after initial claims by Israeli officials.

Khatib’s death comes amid a string of high-profile killings targeting senior Iranian officials. Those reportedly killed include Ali Larijani, described as a top security figure, and Aziz Nasirzadeh, head of the Basij volunteer force under Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Israel’s defence minister had earlier claimed responsibility for the operation, though confirmation only came after Iranian state media reports.

In a statement posted on social media, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) alleged that Khatib played a key role in suppressing protests across Iran, including overseeing arrests and killings during the Mahsa Amini protests.

The IDF further accused him of directing operations targeting Israeli and American interests internationally.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also confirmed the development in a post on X, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths.

He said, “The cowardly assassination of my dear colleagues Ismail Khatib, Ali Larijani, and Aziz Nasirzadeh, alongside some of their family members and accompanying team, has left us in deep mourning.”