Israel says it killed IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi
Israel's defense minister and the Israel Defense Forces say Khademi was killed in an overnight strike; Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed his death and accused Israel and the US. The killing is the latest in a string of targeted strikes that have removed multiple senior Iranian security figures and risks further escalation across the region, including attacks on energy infrastructure and threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Apr 6, 2026, 6:44 AM EDT
Why it matters:
- The reported killing of Majid Khademi removes one of Iran's most senior intelligence commanders and raises the stakes in an already escalating US–Israel–Iran conflict.
Driving the news:
- Israel's defence minister Israel Katz and the Israel Defense Forces said Khademi was killed in an overnight strike and described it as a significant blow to Iran's intelligence apparatus. - Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed Khademi's death in a statement calling him a "martyr" and accused Israel and the United States of carrying out the attack. - Israeli statements and military posts framed the strike as part of an ongoing campaign against senior Iranian commanders.
The big picture:
- Khademi was appointed head of the IRGC's intelligence organization in June 2025 after his predecessor was killed; he held the rank of division general and was long‑time security official. - His death follows a pattern of targeted strikes since the large US–Israel offensive began on Feb. 28 that have removed multiple senior IRGC and Iranian security figures. - The campaign has also hit Iranian energy and petrochemical sites, amplifying economic and civilian risk across the country.
Key players:
- Israel: Defence minister Israel Katz and the IDF claim responsibility and say they will continue targeting leaders they judge linked to attacks on Israel. - Iran: the IRGC and state agencies (Tasnim, Fars) issued the confirmation and framed Khademi's death as a martyrdom that will guide Iran's intelligence community. - United States: several outlets report Iran accused both Israel and the US of the strike; some reporting describes the strikes as coordinated US–Israeli operations.
The fallout:
- Expect more strikes and retaliatory actions across the region; analysts warn the cycle of decapitations and counterstrikes increases risks to civilians, infrastructure and maritime traffic. - Watch for Iranian responses to US and Israeli targets, further hits to energy facilities, and possible impacts on oil and shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz.
The bottom line:
- The confirmed killing of Majid Khademi marks a major escalation in the conflict and makes further regional retaliation and damage to civilian infrastructure more likely.