Channel 12, an Israeli broadcaster, reported on 18/3, citing an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) official, that the Israeli military conducted an airstrike in Tehran last night, targeting Iran's intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib.

The Israeli official stated that the IDF is verifying the results of the attack. Ynet, an Israeli website, later cited sources claiming Khatib was killed in the attack. Iran has not yet commented on this information.

Iran's intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib. *Photo: Iran Press*

The attack targeting Khatib occurred after Israel killed National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani and Basij militia commander Gholamreza Soleimani in an airstrike the previous day.

Israel has recently intensified its campaign to eliminate Iran's political and military leadership as the conflict enters its third week. Israel Katz, Israel's defense minister, stated on 17/3: "The prime minister and I have instructed the IDF to continue hunting down Iran's leadership".

Khatib has served as intelligence minister since August 2021, overseeing Iran's extensive domestic and international intelligence operations.

Targeting Iran's intelligence minister is considered a direct strike against Tehran's security apparatus, potentially impacting the operational capabilities of the country's armed forces.

The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has entered its 19th day with no signs of de-escalation. Over 2,000 people have died in the clashes, primarily in Iran and Lebanon.

Hong Hanh (*According to Israel Times, Yenisafak*)