Al Jazeera News Updates Israel says it killed Iranian intelligence minister, Iranian women's football team heads home
Mar 18, 2026
Breaking news of a claimed airstrike killing Iran's intelligence minister and vows that no one in Iran will have immunity. Reports of Israeli strikes in Lebanon with civilian casualties and rising tensions with Hezbollah. A deal to resume Iraqi oil exports via Kurdistan is covered. The Iranian women's national football team returns home after controversy surrounding the tournament.
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Israel Claims Targeted Killing Of Iran's Intelligence Chief
- Israel says it killed Iran's intelligence minister Ismail Khatib in an airstrike, signalling a direct targeting of senior Iranian officials.
- Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised operations to target any Iranian official without prior approval, escalating retaliation policy.
Profile Of The Targeted Iranian Intelligence Minister
- Khatib was a longtime figure in Iranian politics, appointed intelligence minister in 2021 with prior service in the office of the former supreme leader.
- The US sanctioned him in 2021 for alleged human rights abuses, adding international dimension to his targeting.
Conflict Spills Into Lebanon With Heavy Civilian Toll
- The Israel-Hezbollah front has intensified with Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killing at least 10 and wounding dozens amid heavy population damage.
- Over 900 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since hostilities with Hezbollah resumed more than two weeks ago, showing the conflict's widening toll.