Iran confirmed today that its intelligence chief, Major General Majid Khademi, head of the Intelligence Organisation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in what it described as a “criminal terrorist attack” by the US and Israel. Tehran issued a blistering statement acknowledging the death of one of its highest-ranked officials.
The Revolutionary Guards Corps announced the death on Telegram, stating that Maj. Gen. Khademi was “martyred” at dawn today. The IRGC characterized him as a “powerful and educated” leader who had dedicated “nearly half a century of loyal and courageous service to the Revolution,” according to a CNN report.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli military was responsible for Khademi’s death. Katz asserted that Khademi was one of the “three most senior figures” in the IRGC and was “directly responsible” for the deaths of Israeli civilians.
Katz further emphasized Israel’s commitment to targeting Iranian leadership, stating, “Iran’s leaders are living with a sense of persecution. We will continue to hunt them down one by one.” This assassination marks another significant strike in the ongoing conflict.
Since the conflict began at the end of February, Israel has targeted dozens of senior officials within the IRGC, the Iranian military, and the Basij paramilitary group. The killing of Maj. Gen. Khademi is part of this broader campaign.
Beyond targeting officials, Israeli strikes have also inflicted severe damage on Iran’s steel infrastructure and the petrochemical industry. Minister Katz indicated that these strikes would continue, stating, “today, and every day, there will be more to come.”
In a separate development, Iran has rejected a temporary ceasefire in the US-Israeli war. Tehran stated that such a truce would only allow adversaries to pause and prepare for continued fighting. This rejection comes after reports indicated a proposal for ending hostilities could come into effect today.
Amidst the escalating tensions, former US President Trump has set a deadline for the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Both Trump and Iran have exchanged threats concerning the control and access of this strategic waterway.