Israel says assassinated Iranian intelligence minister in airstrike

TEHRAN – 18 March 2026: Israel said on Wednesday that it assassinated Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib in an overnight strike, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The announcement comes a day after the killings of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Basij force commander Gholamreza Soleimani.

Katz said he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have authorized the military to target any other senior Iranian officials.

Iranian army chief Amir Hatami vowed a “decisive and regret-inducing” response to Larijani’s killing, saying “the blood of Larijani and other martyrs would be avenged.”