Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was "eliminated" in an overnight strike in Tehran.

 

Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib killed in strike, Israel defence minister says

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was "eliminated" in an overnight strike in Tehran.

 

Key Details of the Announcement

Target and Location: The strike occurred overnight in Tehran.

Official Statement: Minister Katz stated that Khatib was responsible for the regime's "internal repression and assassination apparatus". He also noted that "significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all the fronts".

Broader Campaign: According to The National, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed to have "erased two names on the punch card," referring to the killing of both Khatib and top security official Ali Larijani.

Iranian Response: As of the morning of March 18, Iran has not confirmed Khatib's death, though they did previously confirm the deaths of Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani in earlier strikes.

 

Context of the Escalation

This operation is part of a larger joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign that began on February 28, 2026. Other high-level Iranian figures reported killed during this period include:

 

Ali Larijani: Head of the National Security Council.

Gholamreza Soleimani: Commander of the Basij paramilitary force.

Ali Khamenei: Reported killed on the first day of the campaign (February 28).