Tehran: In a major escalation of the ongoing Middle East conflict, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the death of its intelligence chief, Major General Majid Khademi, following coordinated airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
According to Iranian state media, Khademi was killed in a targeted strike early Monday. While initial official statements from Tehran provided limited details, Israeli authorities later claimed responsibility, describing the operation as part of a broader campaign to dismantle Iran’s military and intelligence leadership.
A key figure in Iran’s security apparatus
Majid Khademi was one of the most senior intelligence officials within the IRGC, the powerful military organization tasked with safeguarding Iran’s political system. He led the Guards’ intelligence operations, including counterintelligence and internal security efforts, and was considered a central figure in Iran’s strategic decision-making.
Khademi had only taken over the top intelligence role in 2025, after his predecessor was also killed in earlier strikes. His career spanned decades within Iran’s security establishment, with roles focused on intelligence protection and national defense.
Strike marks sharp escalation
Israeli officials said the killing was part of ongoing joint operations with the United States aimed at weakening Iran’s command structure. The strikes reportedly targeted multiple high-value individuals and locations, underscoring an intensifying strategy of “decapitation” attacks on senior leadership figures.
Reports indicate that Khademi was not the only casualty. Other senior figures linked to Iran’s elite forces were also reportedly killed in the same wave of strikes, highlighting the scale and coordination of the operation.
Iran condemns attack
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards condemned the killing, describing it as a “terrorist” act carried out by what it called hostile foreign powers. Officials vowed retaliation, warning that such strikes would not go unanswered.
The incident adds to a growing list of high-ranking Iranian officials killed since the conflict intensified earlier this year, including senior political and military leaders. Analysts say these losses could significantly disrupt Iran’s intelligence capabilities in the short term.
Wider conflict deepens
The killing comes amid a broader and increasingly volatile confrontation between Iran, Israel, and the United States. The conflict, now stretching over several weeks, has seen repeated airstrikes, rising casualties, and mounting international concern over regional stability.
With both sides signaling continued military action, the death of Majid Khademi is likely to further inflame tensions and complicate any prospects for near-term de-escalation.
