By Ayomide Otitoju
Israeli airstrikes have killed the intelligence chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, intensifying hostilities as Tehran defied threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Revolutionary Guards confirmed that their intelligence chief, Majid Khademi, was killed in a dawn strike, while Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation was carried out in response to Iranian attacks on civilian areas in Israel.
The development comes amid a widening conflict, with Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, while Israeli forces continued strikes across Iran, including Tehran.
Trump had earlier threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy routes—was not reopened, issuing a deadline for compliance. Iran, however, rejected the ultimatum, warning of severe retaliation and insisting the waterway would not return to normal operations for the U.S. and Israel.
Tehran also accused Washington of threatening war crimes, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi condemning the remarks. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that the region risked widespread escalation.
Despite the ongoing violence, diplomatic efforts are underway, with reports suggesting a proposed 45-day ceasefire mediated by regional actors, including Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey. Badr Abdelatty confirmed ongoing consultations aimed at de-escalating tensions.
The conflict, which erupted in late February, has disrupted global energy markets, with oil prices remaining volatile amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Several countries have begun implementing measures to cushion the economic impact.
Fresh strikes were reported across the region, with casualties recorded in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Iran. In Israel, a missile strike hit a residential building in Haifa, killing two people, while in Iran, attacks on Tehran reportedly disrupted gas supply in parts of the capital.
The conflict has also expanded into Lebanon, where Israel has intensified operations against Hezbollah targets, raising concerns of a broader regional war.
