Israel has confirmed its responsibility for the death of Khademi, Iran’s spy chief, in the latest of a series of targeted strikes that began on February 28.
Iranian media referred to the assassination as a “terrorist attack by the American-Zionist (Israeli) enemy.”
Khademi succeeded Mohammad Kazemi, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes in 2025. With decades of experience in intelligence and counter-espionage, Khademi previously led the Guards’ Intelligence Protection Organisation and held senior roles within Iran’s defence ministry.
Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated after former President Donald Trump proposed a temporary ceasefire. Trump warned, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one… There will be nothing like it!!!” if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday. Iran responded by threatening “much more devastating” retaliation.
Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref condemned Trump’s threats, stating that attacks on institutions like Sharif University “do not destroy knowledge… the real bunker is the determination of our professors and elites.”
In the meantime, Pakistan offered a two-tier framework to both Iran and the US, calling for an immediate ceasefire followed by comprehensive negotiations.
Sources told Reuters that Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir had coordinated overnight with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. However, Iran promptly rejected the proposal.
