Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed on Monday that Majid Khademi, head of its intelligence organization, was killed in what it described as a "terrorist attack" jointly conducted by the United States and Israel. The incident has intensified fears of a broader regional conflict amid escalating hostilities between the nations.
According to a statement published on the IRGC-affiliated Sepah News, Khademi "attained martyrdom" during an operation targeting Tehran early Monday. The IRGC praised him as a "powerful and educated" leader who played a pivotal role in safeguarding Iran's national security and the principles of its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Khademi had been appointed to the position in June 2025 following the death of his predecessor, Mohammad Kazemi, during a 12-day conflict with Israel last year.
Israel's military acknowledged responsibility for the strike, calling Khademi "one of the IRGC's most senior commanders" with decades of experience in military and intelligence operations. The attack marks the latest escalation since February 2026, when joint U.S.-Israeli operations killed Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered retaliatory missile strikes by Tehran against Israeli and U.S. assets in the Middle East.
Analysts warn that Khademi's assassination could provoke further Iranian retaliation, potentially destabilizing global energy markets and regional security. The incident underscores the fragile state of Middle East geopolitics, with implications for international diplomacy and economic stability.
