Israel Kills Iran’s Intelligence Minister in Overnight Strike

Israel’s defence minister announced Wednesday that the country’s military killed Iran’s intelligence chief, Esmail Khatib, in an overnight strike.

Iranian state media later confirmed Khatib’s death.

The operation is part of an intensified Israeli campaign against Iran’s leadership, which has recently targeted senior security officials and military commanders.

The conflict is increasingly affecting regional energy infrastructure. Iran has launched attacks on facilities in Gulf states, while the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that carries about 20% of the world’s oil, has become nearly blocked.

Oil prices have risen above 108 US dollars per barrel, an increase of more than 40% since the fighting began on February 28th.

The impact is reaching far beyond the Middle East. Consumers in many parts of the world are facing higher fuel costs, which are driving up production expenses and pushing the price of everyday goods higher.