Iran’s top intelligence official, Major General Majid Khademi, has been killed in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, with both sides confirming the development amid escalating regional tensions.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that Khademi died in an attack “at dawn today,” April 6, issuing a statement before official confirmations from Washington and Tel Aviv.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz later described Khademi as “one of those directly responsible” for attacks against Israeli citizens and said he was among the three most senior figures within the IRGC.
The killing comes as rhetoric between the United States and Iran sharply intensifies. On Saturday, April 4, US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran, demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach an agreement with Washington, warning that otherwise “all hell will reign down.”
Trump reinforced the warning in a social media post on Easter Sunday, appearing to extend the deadline while issuing further threats.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” he wrote, urging Iran to reopen the strategic waterway and warning of severe consequences if it failed to comply.
In a follow-up post hours later, Trump added: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!”
Iranian officials responded with strong counter-warnings, pledging a significantly harsher retaliation if attacks continue. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s top military command unit, said any further strikes on civilian targets would trigger “much more devastating and widespread” offensive operations.
Despite the escalating threats, Trump told US news outlet Axios that he believes there is a “good chance” a deal could be reached soon, with reports suggesting a possible 45-day ceasefire proposal is under discussion.
However, the US president reiterated that failure to reach an agreement could result in massive military action.
Meanwhile, legal experts have raised concerns that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, as referenced in Trump’s remarks, could constitute potential violations of international law.
The situation continues to heighten fears of broader regional conflict, with diplomatic efforts ongoing amid mounting military exchanges and warnings from both sides.
