Israel Strikes Iran, Killing Intelligence Minister as Tensions Escalate
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Israel has confirmed a targeted strike in Tehran that killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, marking the third high-profile assassination linked to Israel in the past 24 hours. The escalating conflict also saw strikes targeting Iranian energy facilities, prompting vows of retaliation from Tehran.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz stated Wednesday that the intensity of strikes within Iran is increasing and that Khatib was “eliminated overnight.” Katz further indicated that Israel has authorized its military to assassinate senior Iranian figures without requiring additional approval.
The strikes come after Israel killed Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary forces, on Monday night.
Iranian state media reported that U.S.-Israeli strikes hit gas facilities at Asaluyeh in the southern Bushehr province, a region containing the world’s largest known gas reserve. Iranian officials warned that any attack on its energy infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes. Iran’s military command stated it would “severely strike the source of the aggression” and consider targeting fuel and energy infrastructure in countries launching the attacks, specifically referencing U.S. bases in Persian Gulf monarchies.
Despite the assassinations, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the country’s political system remains stable. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has a strong political structure,” Araghchi told Al Jazeera, adding that the system can readily replace any individual, even those of high importance.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed to avenge Larijani’s death, claiming to have struck over 100 targets in Tel Aviv with missile and drone attacks. Israeli officials reported at least two deaths and three injuries resulting from the Iranian attacks.
The series of escalating strikes underscores a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about wider regional instability.
Published March 18, 2026, 6:18 pm IST.