Israel says Iran intelligence minister Esmail Khatib killed

The Hill
by Sarah Davis
March 18, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Israel claims Iranian intelligence minister Esmail Khatib was killed in overnight strikes on Tehran.

How This Affects You

Killing high-ranking Iranian officials represents major escalation that could intensify regional conflict, affecting global oil prices and U.S. military involvement.

AI Summary

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that Israeli strikes on Tehran overnight killed Iran's intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, though Iran has not yet confirmed the death. If confirmed, Khatib would be the third high-ranking Iranian official killed in the recent wave of attacks. The killing would represent a significant escalation in Israel's targeting of Iranian leadership and intelligence apparatus. Iran has confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in the same strikes. The strikes underscore the intensifying military confrontation between Israel and Iran amid broader Middle East tensions.

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