Leader hails martyred intel minister, calls for increased efforts to protect Iran

New Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a message of condolence to President Masoud Pezeshkian following the US-Israeli assassination of Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib.

In his message on Friday, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed sympathy to Pezeshkian, the government, the Ministry of Intelligence, and Khatib's family. He praised Khatib as a dedicated public servant and a martyr who had served Iran with distinction.

“I extend my condolences to you, the esteemed government, and especially to the family of the late Hojatoleslam Seyed Ismail Khatib, who dedicated his life to the service of the Islamic Republic,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

Ayatollah Khamenei also called on the officials in the Ministry of Intelligence to work even harder to ensure the country's security in the face of both domestic and foreign threats.

"Certainly, his absence must be compensated by the increased efforts of other officials and employees of that sensitive ministry, ensuring that security is taken away from internal and external enemies and granted to all compatriots,” he wrote.

“I ask the Almighty for the continued success of you and your colleagues, and for the elevation of the rank of that dear martyr."

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