Israel Targets Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib | Iran Retaliates with Cluster Missiles on Tel Aviv

TEHRAN | TEL AVIV | WASHINGTON — The US-Israel-Iran war reached a new level of intensity on Wednesday following the targeted assassination of Iran’s Minister of Intelligence, Esmail Khatib, in Tehran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the elimination, announcing that the IDF is now authorized to neutralize any senior Iranian official “without the need for additional approval.”

In immediate retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of cluster missiles targeting Tel Aviv, sparking massive fires in residential neighborhoods and industrial zones. As the conflict enters its third week, the humanitarian and economic toll continues to mount, with global oil prices hovering near $100 per barrel.

Targeted Assassinations: The “Hunt” for Leadership

Israel has signaled a shift toward a policy of decapitating the Iranian leadership following the February 28 strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• Esmail Khatib Eliminated: Minister Katz confirmed that Khatib was neutralized in a targeted strike. The IDF accused Khatib of leading “terrorist activities” and orchestrating the violent suppression of domestic protests.

• Unlimited Authorization: Israeli leadership has granted the military a standing order to eliminate any high-value Iranian target once an “operational circle” is closed.

• Mojtaba Khamenei in Crosshairs: Despite the new Supreme Leader’s lack of public appearance, Israeli military spokesmen vowed to “track him down and neutralize him.”

Iranian Retaliation: Cluster Munitions and Strait Lockdown

Tehran has responded with a series of high-impact strikes and a firm refusal to negotiate under current conditions.

• Tel Aviv Cluster Strike: Retaliating for the death of security chief Ali Larijani, Iran utilized cluster warheads—designed to disperse multiple explosives mid-air—hitting densely populated areas in Tel Aviv and killing at least two people.

• Strait of Hormuz Protocol: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will not allow “even a liter of oil” to reach the US or its partners. He suggested that any post-war reopening of the Strait would require a “new protocol” favoring Iranian and regional interests.

• No Ceasefire: Sources indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected all tension-reduction proposals, stating there is “no right time for peace” until the US and Israel accept defeat and pay compensation.

US and International Friction

While the US military utilizes 5,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs to penetrate Iranian missile sites, President Donald Trump continues to clash with NATO allies over their refusal to join a naval coalition.

• “We Do Not Need Help”: Following a refusal from the EU and France to participate in military escorts, Trump posted on Truth Social: “WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”

• Domestic Dissent: The head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, Joseph Kent, resigned on Tuesday, stating in his letter to the President that Iran “posed no imminent threat” to the United States.

• IAEA Warning: Following a projectile strike near the Bushehr nuclear plant, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi called for “maximum restraint” to prevent a catastrophic nuclear accident.

Regional Impact: Lebanon and the Gulf

• Beirut Under Attack: Israeli strikes hit the heart of Beirut’s Al Basta neighborhood on Wednesday, killing at least six people. Since March 2, over 912 Lebanese have been killed, with over one million displaced.

• Gulf Casualties: Over 2,000 Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted Gulf states. In Abu Dhabi, a Pakistani national was confirmed killed by falling missile debris in the Bani Yas area.

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