Khamenei urges officials to 'strip security from internal and external enemies'

Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, on Friday called for continued efforts to maintain national security, local media reported. 

Khamenei also offered condolences following the killing of intelligence minister Hujjat al-Islam Seyyed Esmaeil Khatib, praising his service. 

In a message addressed to President Masoud Pezeshkian, Khamenei described the minister as a “hardworking” and long-serving official.

“The void left by him must be filled through the redoubled efforts of other officials and staff of that sensitive ministry,” Khamenei said, adding that officials must ensure that "security is stripped from internal and external enemies".