Israel Claims Elimination of IRGC Intelligence Chief in Tehran
On the morning of April 6, Iran's Major General Majid Khademi, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence, was reported eliminated in an attack attributed to Israel.
In a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, Major General Majid Khademi, who led the intelligence division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was reportedly killed on April 6. The announcement was made by the IRGC itself, as reported by the AFP news agency.
According to Iranian sources, Khademi's death resulted from a targeted attack against him. The IRGC has accused the United States and Israel of being behind this strike, although the specific location of the operation has not been officially disclosed. However, AFP has reported that several airstrikes occurred in the areas surrounding Iran's capital, Tehran, on the same morning.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Khademi was eliminated as a result of an Israeli operation. Katz emphasized that Israel would continue to pursue the leadership of Iran, indicating a persistent strategy to undermine Iranian military and intelligence capabilities.
Khademi had taken charge of the IRGC's intelligence unit in June 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Mohammad Kazemi, who was also killed during Israeli strikes in Iran. This succession highlights the ongoing pattern of targeted eliminations of key Iranian military figures, which Israel has employed as a tactic to weaken Iran's influence in the region.
The backdrop to this incident includes escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Just a day prior, on April 5, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, threatening to strike Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening. This ultimatum underscores the high stakes involved in the ongoing geopolitical standoff.
Media reports suggest that U.S. intelligence assesses that Iran is unlikely to agree to open free passage for vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Control over this waterway remains Iran's most significant leverage in negotiations with the United States, as it is a critical artery for global oil exports.
The elimination of Khademi marks a notable escalation in the covert conflict between Israel and Iran, reflecting the broader regional dynamics where both nations are engaged in a shadow war. Analysts believe that such actions could provoke further retaliation from Iran, potentially leading to an increase in hostilities in the region.
As the situation develops, the international community is watching closely, particularly given the implications for global oil markets and security in the Middle East. The ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation raises concerns about stability in a region already fraught with conflict.