Israel Kills Iranian Intelligence Chief Esmail Khatib

Israel has announced the killing of Iranian intelligence chief Esmail Khatib, indicating a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that this operation is part of a broader campaign aimed at targeting senior Iranian officials deemed a threat, without requiring further approval for such strikes.

This follows the earlier reported killing of prominent Iranian official Ali Larijani. Iran has condemned these attacks and vowed to retaliate.

The conflict has intensified since late February when a joint U.S.-Israeli strike reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a broader regional crisis. Israel has signaled its intent to pursue senior figures, including Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains in public view.

In response, Iran has conducted missile attacks on Israeli cities, including areas near Tel Aviv, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. The conflict has expanded across the region, with Israeli strikes in Beirut reportedly causing civilian deaths and disrupting global energy markets, raising concerns about a wider regional war.