Categories: World News

Iran Intelligence Chief Esmail Khatib Killed In Israeli Strikes A Day After War Strategist Ali Larijani’s Assassination

Israel has claimed that Iran’s Intelligence Minister was killed in an overnight strike.

Add NewsX As A Trusted Source
Add as a preferred
source on Google
Published by Khalid Qasid
Last updated: March 18, 2026 17:03:47 IST

According to Israelis, Iranian Intel Minister Esmail Khatib was killed last night in an Israeli air strike. The Israeli Minister of Defense Isabel Katz described this as part of a broader campaign to target senior Iranian officials. There has been no official Iranian confirmation as yet regarding the death of Khatib.

The air strike comes as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate and both nations have been engaged in active retaliation for components of the attacks. Israeli sources said that these kinds of operations are designed to weaken their leadership and disrupt their security apparatus.

Who Was Esmail Khatib?

As the Iranian Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib held one of the most powerful positions in Iran’s security apparatus. His role was to oversee intelligence activities, internal security activities, and counter-espionage activities. As the primary architect of Iran’s intelligence strategy, he was heavily involved in leading Iran’s intelligence response to Israel/Western countries during a time of heightened tension.

Originally appointed to that position (office) in 2021 and having maintained his role after recent political changes occurred in leadership inside Iran shows just how important Khatib’s position is in relation to the rest of the governmental ‘system.’ Furthermore, Khatib has been recognized as being particularly aligned with security establishments within Iran giving him a prominent position regarding both the management of external intelligence operations and domestic surveillance operations.

Esmail Khatib had several high-profile operations

Under Khatib’s leadership as Director General over Tehran’s Intelligence Service, there have been several high-profile operations undertaken by Tehran Intelligence Services, including efforts directed toward obtaining sensitive intelligence about the military and nuclear capabilities of Israel.

The reported assassination of Khatib comes after a series of strikes directed against other Iranian officials indicating an extreme escalation in this ongoing conflict. Many analysts are predicting that these types of attacks could greatly change how Iran manages its own internal security systems as well as increase the likelihood for further retaliation against Iran’s neighboring regions and countries.

Also Read: Dubai Airport Open or Closed Today (March 18, 2026)? Check Emirates Flight Status, Air India, IndiGo Flight Schedule, Rebooking, Refund- Why Live Cam DXB Airport Trends?   

Published by Khalid Qasid
Last updated: March 18, 2026 17:03:47 IST

Recent Posts

Dr. Anjali R. Pandey Honoured with Skill Bharat Samman 5.0 for Excellence in School Leadership

Mumbai: Dr. Anjali R. Pandey, Principal of B.S.M. Dnyananand School, Thane, has been conferred with…

March 18, 2026

Iran Holds Funeral For Ali Larijani, Basij Chief Soleimani In Tehran Amid Raging West Asia War, Pays Tribute To Slain Leaders

Iran holds a state funeral in Tehran for top officials Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani,…

March 18, 2026