IDF Strike Kills Iran's Intelligence Minister Khatib
Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib reportedly killed in Tehran strike, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement on X. Khatib, central to Iran's intelligence structure, played key role in 2022–2023 Mahsa Amini protests crackdown and linked to operations targeting Israeli/American interests. Follows IDF claim of eliminating Ali Larijani, Iran's senior security figure. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz stated strikes target Iran's leadership, referencing Trump's comments on leadership turnover. "We will update him that high rate of turnover continues and is even increasing following assassination of two senior leaders," Katz added.