Ismail Khatib: Israel Confirms Death of Iranian Intelligence Minister in Tehran Strikes
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has announced the death of Ismail Khatib, Iran’s Intelligence Minister, during overnight attacks on Tehran. Gallant stated that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have authorized the Israeli military to target “any senior official” of the Islamic Republic without needing “further approval.”
An Israeli intelligence official reported that the targeted killing of Iranian officials has caused disruption within the government. Reports from Iranian media and Iran International viewers indicate that parts of the Pars-e Janubi oil facilities were also targeted.
Calls for Regime Change in Iran
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated, “A change of regime in Iran is desirable.” An Israeli official told Iran International that the Israeli military provided an “air umbrella” for the first time last night to support public gatherings in Iran. The Israeli military also reported destroying over 80 Hezbollah infrastructures in southern Lebanon over the past week.
The United Arab Emirates announced that Iranian government attacks have resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and six civilians, with 158 others injured. Footage obtained by Iran International shows residents of Tehran’s Tehranpars district lighting fires and celebrating with music on Chaharshanbe Suri (the Iranian Fire Festival).
A Significant Blow to Iranian Security
The death of Ismail Khatib, Iran’s Intelligence Minister, in the attacks on Tehran is considered one of the heaviest blows to the core of Iran’s security apparatus in recent years. The Israeli military emphasized that Khatib was responsible for directing the terrorist activities of Iran’s Intelligence Ministry against Israeli and American targets worldwide, and against targets within Israel.
Who was Khatib, and what are the implications of his removal for the Islamic Republic? Read more here.
Escalating Attacks and Internal Disruption
Footage obtained by Iran International on March 16th shows security forces changing clothes in a Tehran street due to a lack of rest during intensified Israeli attacks on military headquarters. Reports from a citizen journalist indicate that areas in the port city of Bandar-e-Deir in Bushehr province were targeted around 6:00 AM on Wednesday, March 20th.
Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, reiterated the desire for a regime change in Iran, while cautioning that a military campaign is unlikely to lead to a “regular regime change.” She added, “I feel that Europe will play an important role in both the Iran and Ukraine wars.”
Ali-Hossein Kazemzadeh, an editor at Iran International, stated, “The collapse of the Islamic Republic will take time, and Israel is carefully advancing the operation to destroy the foundations of the government.” He added, “The most important parts of the Islamic Republic, which may be hidden from the public, are gradually being destroyed.”
Attacks on Oil Facilities and Public Celebrations
The state-run Mehr News Agency, affiliated with the Iranian judiciary, reported that parts of the Pars-e Janubi and Asaluyeh oil facilities were targeted. An Iran International viewer messaged, “Asaluyeh was heavily bombed at 2:10 PM. They didn’t hit the tanks, only the transfer pipes.” Another citizen wrote, “Phase 4 and 5 of Pars-e Janubi were attacked at 2:00 PM, and all employees and workers fled the Asaluyeh phases.” A viewer also reported, “In Asaluyeh, petrochemical plants have been targeted, and explosions are happening one after another.”
Footage obtained by Iran International shows fireworks celebrating the deaths of Iranian leaders on Chaharshanbe Suri. A citizen laughs with each firework launched, saying, “This is for Khamenei, this one is for Larijani.”
A senior Israeli military intelligence official told the Associated Press that the meeting of Basij commanders targeted on Tuesday evening, which resulted in the death of Gholam-Reza Soleimani, was held in a tent in a wooded area under trees.
Source: Iran International
