Israeli Strike Eliminates Iran's Intelligence Chief Overnight
The elimination follows a pattern of Israeli operations targeting senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists since the U.S.-Israel campaign began on February 28. U.S. officials were briefed in advance but did not participate.
RWTNews Staff
Israeli forces conducted a targeted overnight strike in Tehran on March 17, 2026, killing Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's Minister of Intelligence, along with two deputies, according to Israeli officials and Iranian state media.
Khatib, appointed in 2021, was a key figure in Iran's security apparatus, overseeing domestic intelligence and counter-espionage operations. The strike hit a secure facility used for MOIS coordination meetings. Israel described it as a "precision operation" aimed at disrupting Iran's ability to coordinate proxy attacks and internal repression during the ongoing conflict.
Iranian state television did not confirm Khatib's death or details on casualties and the strike's location. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, currently receiving treatment in Moscow, has not issued a public statement.
The elimination follows a pattern of Israeli operations targeting senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists since the U.S.-Israel campaign began on February 28. U.S. officials were briefed in advance but did not participate.
Iran's remaining security apparatus is now under severe strain amid leadership losses, nationwide blackouts, and growing internal unrest.