Israel kills Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib

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

Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) announced the minister’s killing via a statement on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

“Khatib played a significant role during the recent protests throughout Iran, including the arrest & killing of protestors, and led terrorist activities against Israelis & Americans around the world,” the IDF said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also confirmed that Khatib has been killed.

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.”

Iran executes man spying for Israel

The deaths of Larijani, Iran’s top security official, and Nasirzadeh, the country’s defence minister, have previously been confirmed.

The development comes as the United States- and Israel-led war against Iran entered its 19th day, with Israel intensifying its military operations across the region.

Israeli forces launched a series of strikes on Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, as part of its continued offensive against the Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

In response, Iran and its allied military groups have carried out retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, raising fears of a widening regional conflict.

The Star