Israel eliminates Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib

Israel has announced the killing of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, in what it described as a “targeted strike” in Tehran, marking the third assassination of a senior official within two days.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the minister’s death in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
“Khatib played a significant role during the recent protests across Iran, including the arrest and killing of protesters, and led terrorist activities against Israelis and Americans around the world,” the IDF stated.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also confirmed Khatib’s death.
In a post on X, Pezeshkian said: “The cowardly assassination of my dear colleagues Ismail Khatib, Ali Larijani, and Aziz Nasirzadeh, alongside some of their family members and accompanying team, has left us in deep mourning.
“I extend my condolences to the great people of Iran for the martyrdom of two cabinet members, the secretary of the Shura, and the military and Basij commanders. I am certain their path will continue more steadfastly than before.”
The deaths of Larijani, Iran’s top security official, and Nasirzadeh, the country’s defence minister, had earlier been confirmed.
The development comes as the United States- and Israel-led war against Iran enters its 19th day, with Israel intensifying military operations across the region.
Israeli forces also carried out a series of strikes on Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, as part of its ongoing offensive against the Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
In response, Iran and its allied forces have launched retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict.