IDF strikes again: Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib killed, third high-ranking official targeted in two days

Tel Aviv (The Uttam Hindu): Israel's Defense Minister has claimed that another top Iranian leader has been killed in an airstrike. According to him, Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib was killed in the attack on Tuesday night. The Israeli Defense Ministry's office released Katz's statement, which Iran has not yet confirmed.

Katz said that a "major surprise" is expected on Wednesday. The Times of Israel quoted Israel Katz as saying that Iran's Intelligence Minister, Ismail Khatib, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran last night. He also said that a "major surprise" is expected today. He made this known during a security review meeting. He said, "Today, major surprises are expected on all fronts, which will further intensify our fight against Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon."

He said, "The intensity of attacks in Iran is increasing. Iran's Intelligence Minister Khatib was also killed last night." Katz said that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "have given the IDF the authority to (kill) any top Iranian official... which will no longer require any additional approval." Israeli media had earlier reported Khatib's death based on sources. According to media reports, Iran's Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib was targeted in the recent air strikes on Iran.

It also said that the results of the operation were still being assessed and it was unclear what damage was caused or whether the strike was successful. A day earlier, Israel had targeted Iranian security official Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soltani, killing both officers.