In a bold escalation of its covert campaign against Iran, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the death of Ismail Khatiib, the Islamic Republic’s intelligence minister, in a precision airstrike. The operation unfolded late Tuesday in the heart of Tehran, marking another high-profile hit in Israel’s series of targeted killings.
Speaking at a security review meeting, Katz painted a picture of unrelenting pressure on Iran’s regime. ‘Expect big surprises today on all fronts,’ he declared, vowing to accelerate operations against Iran and its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon. The minister emphasized that Prime Minister Netanyahu has empowered the IDF to eliminate senior Iranian figures on sight, bypassing traditional approval chains.
This strike follows hot on the heels of assassinations of key figures like Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Sultani. Initial reports from Israeli outlets cited anonymous sources, noting that damage assessments were preliminary. Tehran remains silent on the matter, fueling speculation about the strike’s success.
The development highlights Israel’s doctrine of proactive defense, aiming to decapitate enemy leadership before threats fully materialize. With Katz’s comments, Jerusalem appears ready to unveil more actions, potentially reshaping Middle East power balances. Analysts warn of a volatile cycle of retaliation, as Iran’s response could ignite broader confrontations.