Defense minister reveals IDF has free hand to 'eliminate' any senior Iranian security figures; Wall Street Journal reports Iranian security officials being hunted with drones

JERUSALEM | Xinhua |  Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday said that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib was killed in an overnight Israeli strike in Tehran, according to a statement issued by Katz’s office. Katz said, during a situation assessment with senior military officers, that “Khatib was in charge of the regime’s internal assassination …

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Esmail Khatib was killed in an overnight strike, further indicating that more major developments could unfold across multiple fronts during the day.

The Israeli military announced Wednesday that an overnight airstrike killed Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's minister of intelligence, in yet another massive blow to the Iranian security structure.

Top news updates from The Hindu on March 18, 2026

Top news updates from The Hindu on March 18, 2026

Esmail Khatib played a significant role in the arrest and killing of protesters during the recent protests throughout Iran, according to the Israeli military.

An Israeli military strike killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's president said, confirming the latest assassination of a top Iranian official. DW has the latest.

An Israeli military strike killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's president said, confirming the latest assassination of a top Iranian official. DW has the latest.

An airstrike killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's president said, confirming the latest assassination of a top Iranian official. DW has the latest.