Israel has claimed it killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib in overnight strikes in Tehran, marking the third reported assassination of a senior Iranian official in two days, according to statements cited by the Associated Press.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation follows earlier strikes that reportedly killed Ali Larijani, described by Israel as a top security figure, and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. Iran’s judiciary news agency confirmed Soleimani’s death, the AP reported.
BREAKING: Israel says that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib has been killed.
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 18, 2026
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Katz said the strikes signal intensifying Israeli operations and described them as part of a broader push against Iran’s leadership. He accused the targeted officials of overseeing repression and external threats, according to the report.
Iran has not yet issued an official response to the latest claim regarding Khatib.
The developments point to a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries, with Israel signaling continued aggressive action against Iran’s leadership structure.
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