Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib killed in air strike, Israel says - BBC

BBC
March 18, 2026
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3 min read

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Israel claims it killed Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib in an air strike, marking major regional escalation.

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Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib was killed in an air strike, according to Israeli claims reported by the BBC. The killing of a senior intelligence official represents a significant escalation in regional tensions and marks a direct strike against Iran's security apparatus. Khatib's death, if confirmed, would be one of the most high-profile targeted killings of an Iranian official in recent years and could trigger Iranian retaliation. The incident underscores the intensifying military operations between Israel and Iran, particularly following months of direct exchanges of fire. Iran has not yet publicly confirmed Khatib's death or responded to the Israeli claim.

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