Israel eliminates Iran’s intelligence minister; Tehran vows retaliation

Israel said it had killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, in an operation it described as part of an ongoing campaign targeting senior figures within Tehran’s security and political hierarchy, marking a further escalation in the conflict between the two countries.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that military operations had been authorised to strike senior Iranian officials once intelligence and operational conditions were met, indicating a continued expansion of Israel’s targeting strategy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added that operations would continue against individuals deemed within reach of Israeli forces.

Military spokesperson Effie Defrin also indicated that Israel was pursuing Iran’s newly positioned leadership figure, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not made public appearances since assuming the role associated with succession dynamics in Tehran’s leadership structure.

The reported killing of Khatib follows earlier strikes that included senior Iranian officials such as Ali Larijani, prompting a strong response from Tehran. Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, condemned the attacks, describing them as targeted assassinations and pledging that Iran’s response would be firm. Military authorities led by Amir Hatami also warned that those responsible would face consequences, framing the killings as acts that would intensify national resolve.

Iranian officials and allied institutions, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, issued warnings that energy infrastructure linked to adversaries could become targets in retaliation. The statements followed reports of strikes on Iranian oil and natural gas facilities, including the South Pars gasfield shared with Qatar, an area central to regional energy supply.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, cautioned that the conflict could have wide-reaching global consequences, affecting countries and populations beyond the immediate region as tensions continue to spread across multiple fronts.

International reactions have also emerged alongside the escalation. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said alliance members were in discussions about securing critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments that has been affected by the ongoing hostilities.

In the United Kingdom, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing the exchanges as unhelpful at a time of heightened global tension.

As exchanges of fire continue, reports indicate that missile strikes have caused casualties and damage in both Iran and Israel, including impacts on residential areas near Tel Aviv. The conflict has contributed to rising global oil prices and growing concerns over disruptions to international shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, where the movement of energy exports remains a critical issue for global markets.