Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that its intelligence chief, Majid Khademi, was killed in a strike early on Monday morning (April 6), BBC reported. In a statement carried by Iranian media, the IRGC accused the United States and Israel of targeting him.
Khademi had recently taken over the role after his predecessor, Mohammad Kazemi, was killed in an Israeli strike on June 15, 2025, during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it would "look into" the reports initially, but later claimed responsibility for the strike, calling it "another severe blow" to the IRGC, BBC reported.
Who was Majid Khademi?
Majid Khademi, a Brigadier General, rose within Iran's most powerful security body. In June 2022, he became the head of the IRGC Intelligence Protection Organisation. By 2025, he took over as the leader of the IRGC Intelligence Organisation, replacing Mohammad Kazemi.
Khademi was not just a tactical officer like many other military figures. He held a PhD in National Security and Strategic Defence Sciences, Financial Express reported.
IRGC Intelligence Chief (2025–2026): Khademi was appointed head of the IRGC Intelligence Organisation on June 19, 2025, after the death of Mohammad Kazemi in earlier clashes. Head of Intelligence Protection (2022–2025): Before leading the main intelligence wing, he directed the IRGC Intelligence Protection Organisation, which focused on counter-espionage and internal surveillance within the Guard.
Ministry of Defense (2018–2022): He also led the Information Protection Organisation at Iran’s Ministry of Defense.
Earlier statements
Khademi had previously made strong remarks against the United States. In February, following anti-government protests in January, he accused US President Donald Trump of fuelling what Iranian officials described as a "staged murder" strategy.
He had also alleged that multiple foreign intelligence agencies were involved in the unrest, including Israel's Unit 8200. According to reports cited by the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 7,000 people were killed during the crackdown.
Escalation beyond Iran
The situation has also seen developments beyond Iran's borders. The IDF issued a warning to residents in southern parts of Beirut, stating that operations would continue in those areas.
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According to Lebanese authorities, at least 11 people were killed on Sunday, while a total of 1,461 people have died in Israeli strikes since March 2.
The killing comes amid continued tensions in the region, with the conflict entering its second month since it began on February 28. Iran has been under an internet blackout during this period, although limited domestic access remains available.
Khademi had earlier advocated for strengthening Iran's internal digital infrastructure. In August last year, he urged lawmakers to prioritise a domestic intranet to "safeguard the sovereignty" of the country's cyberspace.
