Israel claimed it killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib in a targeted strike in Tehran, escalating regional tensions. The development comes amid ongoing military operations and heightened conflict involving Iran, Israel and US forces.

Tel Aviv [Israel], March 19: The Israel Defense Forces announced that they killed Esmaeil Khatib, the Iranian Minister of Intelligence.

IDF claims targeted strike in Tehran

The IDF said that Khatib operated against Iranian citizens during the Mahsa Amini protests (2022–2023).

In a post on X, the IDF said on Wednesday, "ELIMINATED: Esmaeil Khatib, the Iranian terrorist regime Minister of Intelligence, in a targeted strike in Tehran. 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. Similarly, he operated against Iranian citizens during the Mahsa Amini protests (2022–2023). The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence possesses advanced intelligence capabilities, overseeing surveillance, espionage, and the execution of covert operations worldwide, particularly against Israeli and Iranian citizens."