Israel Claims Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib Killed; Tehran Yet To Confirm

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 16:42 IST

The development comes a day after Israel said it had killed senior Iranian official Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani.

Israel said it had killed another top Iranian official, marking the third high-profile assassination in two days, as the conflict in West Asia intensified with no signs of slowing. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed in an overnight strike, adding that “significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all fronts," without providing further details.

Iran did not immediately confirm Esmail Khatib’s death. The development comes a day after Israel said it had killed senior Iranian official Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force. Even as targeted strikes continued, Iran responded with missile attacks, including the use of advanced multiple-warhead systems aimed at central Israel. According to Israeli authorities, two people were killed near Tel Aviv following the strikes.

The escalation has expanded beyond Israel and Iran, with Tehran launching attacks on several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Air defence systems were activated across multiple locations, with interceptions reported over key military and urban areas.

Meanwhile, concerns over nuclear safety briefly emerged after a projectile struck near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there were no injuries or damage, with Director General Rafael Grossi urging maximum restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

Since the conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran has increasingly targeted energy infrastructure across the Gulf and tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supply passes. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude remaining above $100 per barrel.

Hostilities have also intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes in Beirut targeted what it described as Iran-backed Hezbollah positions, killing at least a dozen people and causing widespread destruction.

More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the conflict, while casualties have also been reported in Israel, Lebanon and among US forces stationed in the region.

News world Israel Claims Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib Killed; Tehran Yet To Confirm

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