Israel announced that its air force killed Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's Minister of Intelligence, in an overnight airstrike on the Intelligence Ministry in Tehran. The strike occurred on the night of March 17-18, marking the third high-level assassination in 24 hours amid the month-long war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, when US and Israeli forces launched surprise airstrikes under Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, targeting Iranian military sites, air defenses, nuclear facilities, and leadership compounds. Those initial attacks killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at his Tehran residence, along with several top officials, including Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour, and four Ministry of Intelligence personnel.

Khatib's death followed strikes that eliminated Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, Basij militia commander. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF had authorization to target any senior Iranian security figures without further approval, describing the ministry under Khatib as central to espionage, repression of protesters, and operations against Israel.

Iran confirmed Khatib's death through President Masoud Pezeshkian, who leads an interim council following Khamenei's assassination. The regime retaliated with missile and drone barrages on US bases in the Gulf, Israeli cities, and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, including the South Pars gas field. Iran has imposed tolls in yuan on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which it partially blockaded, driving global oil prices up over 40 percent.

US President Donald Trump has warned of further escalation, threatening strikes on Iranian power plants and oil facilities like Kharg Island if the strait remains closed. He recently postponed a deadline for such attacks after reported talks, though Iran dismissed a US 15-point peace proposal as unreasonable. Over 11,000 Iranian targets have been hit, including nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow.

The war has expanded regionally, with Hezbollah launching attacks from Lebanon, prompting Israeli ground operations there, and Houthis firing missiles at Israel on March 28. Casualties include thousands of Iranian military personnel and civilians, with reports varying: US estimates place military deaths above 6,000, while human rights groups cite lower figures.

Diplomatic efforts have faltered despite pre-war talks in Oman and Geneva. Turkey's intelligence chief warned that the conflict risks a global crisis.