Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib killed in latest Israel strikes

There ⁠has been no confirmation from ⁠Iran ‌regarding Khatib's reported death.

‌Iranian Intelligence ​Minister Esmaeil Khatib was "eliminated" in a ​strike overnight, ​Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed on Wednesday.

⁠Iran ‌later on Wednesday confirmed the killing of Khatib.

"Khatib played a significant role during the recent protests throughout Iran, including the arrest & killing of protestors and led terrorist activities against Israelis & Americans around the world. Similarly, he operated against Iranian citizens during the Mahsa Amini protests (2022–2023)," the Israel Defense Forces posted on X.

According to Katz, ‌he ⁠and Israeli Prime Minister ‌Benjamin ‌Netanyahu had authorised the ‌military ‌to kill any other senior ⁠Iranian official ⁠being targeted without the need for additional approval.

This comes a day after Israel killed Ali Larijani, head of Iran's national security. Tehran confirmed Larijani's death a day after Israel's announcement and hailed him as a "martyr."

(With agency inputs)