In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Khatib and other prominent figures, including Ali Larijani and Aziz Nasirzadeh. He noted that their deaths, along with several members of their families and teams, had plunged the nation into mourning and underscored the escalating risks facing Iran’s leadership amid the growing conflict.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Khatib was “eliminated” in a targeted strike carried out late Tuesday, emphasizing that Israeli forces have been granted expanded authority to act against senior Iranian officials deemed security threats. He stated that such operations no longer require additional approvals once intelligence assessments and operational planning are complete, signaling a more aggressive military posture.

Khatib, appointed as intelligence minister in 2021 under former president Ebrahim Raisi, had been a central figure in Iran’s intelligence operations. Raisi himself died in a helicopter crash in 2024, marking a series of leadership losses that have further destabilized the country’s political structure. Israel’s announcement followed closely after Tehran confirmed the killing of Larijani and senior military commander Gholamreza Soleimani in separate strikes, highlighting a pattern of targeted operations against high-ranking officials.

The conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified significantly over the past two weeks, particularly after joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. These developments have contributed to fears of a broader regional war, as both sides continue to escalate military actions and rhetoric. Observers warn that the ongoing cycle of retaliation could further destabilize the region and draw in additional global actors.