Israel confirmed the killing of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Seyyed Hossein Hatib, and announced the potential for additional attacks against Iran and Hezbollah.
Iran Confirms Deaths, Israel Announces Expanded Authority
Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed reports from the Israeli government regarding Hatib’s death, according to Reuters. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that further “surprises” are expected in the conflict with Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah as early as Wednesday.
Gallant also announced that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have authorized the military to assassinate “high-ranking Iranian officials” without prior approval.
“Killed Protesters”
Hatib, a Shia cleric, headed the Iranian Intelligence Ministry since 2021. Prior to this, he served within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was an associate of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Ministry of Intelligence Described as “Terror Mechanism”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence as “one of the main mechanisms of repression and terror” in Iran. The IDF stated that Hatib played a “significant role in directing arrests and killings of protesters,” and in assessing the situation during recent internal protests in Iran.
Significant Blow to Iranian Security Apparatus
Hatib’s elimination is considered a major blow to Iran’s central security apparatus in recent years. He allegedly directed terrorist activities by the Iranian Intelligence Ministry against Israeli and American targets globally, as well as within Israel.
Ukraine Sees Opportunity in Iran Conflict
“Arabs did not previously see Ukraine as a player that could bring something to the table. Now we are seeing a change,” said Serhiy Danylov, deputy director of the Ukrainian Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
Additional High-Profile Killings
Earlier on Tuesday, Israel announced the killing of Ali Larijani, a prominent politician who served as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran and was considered the de facto leader of the country after the death of Ali Khamenei.
Iran Confirms Multiple Deaths
Iran has confirmed the deaths of Larijani, Basij paramilitary organization leader Golamreza Soleimani, Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh, and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour.
