Israel Assassinates Iran's Intelligence Minister in Tehran Airstrike

Israel has assassinated Iran's intelligence minister in a targeted airstrike, following the elimination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the country's second-highest official.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on the 18th (local time) during a defense ministry situational assessment meeting that "Esmail Khatib, Iran's intelligence minister, was killed in an overnight airstrike on Tehran." This marks consecutive killings of top Iranian leaders, coming a day after the elimination of Secretary Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander-in-chief of the Basij militia.

The IDF emphasized the justification, stating that "Minister Khatib headed Iran's primary intelligence agency of the terrorist regime and played a key role in supporting the regime's oppression and terrorist activities." The IDF claims he actively participated in suppressing Iranian protests as head of Iran's intelligence apparatus.

Defense Minister Katz also indicated there would be a "surprise" on the 18th. "There will be additional major strikes today," he said. "A significant surprise is planned that will escalate the war against Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah on all fronts."

He added that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have granted the Israel Defense Forces "summary execution authority." This means the IDF now has full authorization to eliminate senior Iranian officials without additional approval from leadership. This is expected to accelerate assassinations targeting Iran's top leadership.

Iranian state media has not officially commented on Minister Khatib's death.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after the Israeli Defense Ministry's announcement, hinting at eliminating remaining Iranian leadership. Trump wrote: "What happens when we completely wipe out what's left of Iran, and have the countries that use the Strait of Hormuz take responsibility for it themselves?" He added that "unresponsive 'allies' would quickly come to their senses and start moving," urging allied nations to provide support including escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz.