WANA (Aug 18) – Today, Hujjat al-Islam Seyyed Ismail Khatib, Iran’s nominee for Intelligence Minister, spoke in front of Parliament. He defended his plans for the ministry and explained its key roles in intelligence gathering and national security. He stated that the ministry is guided by Imam Khomeini’s principles and the Supreme Leader’s directives.

 

Khatib also highlighted the ministry’s additional tasks under the Seventh Development Plan, which include border security, cybersecurity, and intelligence oversight. He expressed confidence that Iran’s security and power are globally recognized and respected.

 

He pointed out that Iran faces significant challenges from extremist terrorism, including ISIS and state-sponsored violence by Israeli extremists, resulting in severe civilian casualties.

 

Khatib discussed the ongoing hybrid warfare against Iran, which combines cognitive strategies and internal destabilization. He revealed that intelligence agencies from 53 countries are monitoring Iran, with numerous coordinated anti-security projects.

 

Despite these threats, Khatib commended Iran’s intelligence and security forces for their resilience, attributing their success to divine support, the Supreme Leader’s guidance, and the Iranian people’s dedication. He assured that Iran will continue progressing and maintaining its national security.

 

Khatib stressed the importance of adopting preventive and proactive security measures rather than reactive ones. He advocated for a strategic approach that incorporates legal, ethical, and religious principles, focusing on new technologies, cognitive warfare, and bolstering resistance and allied intelligence services.

 

Ismail Khatib outlined the ministry’s recent achievements and future strategies today. He highlighted the Ministry’s successful efforts in countering widespread enemy operations, including identifying Mossad agents in 28 countries and launching extensive offensive actions against adversaries.

 

Khatib noted that recent anti-terrorism and anti-espionage operations have thwarted enemy plans, particularly those of the Israeli regime. The ministry has effectively tackled infiltration at the highest levels and addressed the impacts of economic sanctions and large-scale corruption.

 

He praised the ministry’s proactive approach, emphasizing that community cooperation and effective information exchange have been crucial in recent successes. Khatib stressed the importance of using new technologies, including artificial intelligence and cognitive sciences, to enhance intelligence gathering and analysis.

Hujjat al-Islam Seyyed Ismail Khatib, Iran’s nominee for Intelligence Minister, in Parliament defending his plans for the ministry,18 August 2024/Social media / WANA News Agency

Looking ahead, Khatib called for continued legislative support to strengthen intelligence processes and human resources. He also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to both defending against external threats and addressing internal issues with empathy and patience. The nominee underscored that while the ministry deals firmly with enemies, it remains supportive and guiding towards those who may have been misled or uninformed.

 

Iran’s nominee for Intelligence Minister emphasized that one of the less visible but crucial aspects of the ministry’s focus will be its commitment to research and scholarly activities. The ministry, supported by universities, research institutes, and think tanks, has a distinguished record in research projects, which he plans to further enhance.

 

He highlighted that, according to the President’s directives, strengthening national unity and internal cohesion will be top priorities for the Ministry in the new administration. He stressed that sustainable security, increased social capital, national power, and the country’s advancement depend on a collaborative approach across political and social spheres and the reduction of societal divides.

 

Under the guidance of the current government, Khatib assured that the ministry will fully utilize its resources to support and strengthen the revolutionary front. He vowed that, if given the opportunity to serve, he would dedicate all his efforts to improving national security and advancing the Islamic Revolution’s goals, with the support of the Supreme Leader, the Iranian people, and divine assistance.

 

The Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has announced its approval of Hojatoleslam Khatib as the proposed Minister of Intelligence.