Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib
Israel has claimed it targeted Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib in overnight airstrikes in Tehran on Wednesday, March 18, amid escalating hostilities.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that strikes were carried out in the Iranian capital, with Khatib among the intended targets.
The report said the outcome remains unclear, with authorities assessing the impact of the operation and no immediate confirmation on his condition. There has been no official response from Iran so far.
Iranian state television confirmed fresh missile strikes, while the Israeli military said it detected incoming projectiles targeting central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Air raid sirens were activated across major cities, with Israeli media reporting loud explosions near Jerusalem as air defence systems intercepted several missiles.
Israeli civil defence authorities said buildings and vehicles were damaged in Holon near Tel Aviv following missile impacts and falling debris.
The Israeli Health Ministry said 192 people were injured in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of wounded since the start of the war to 3,727.
Qatar said it intercepted nine ballistic missiles and multiple drones targeting the country, with residents reporting aerial interception sounds over Doha.
Kuwait’s National Guard confirmed that seven drones were intercepted within its operational areas.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted multiple drones, including near the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh and in the Eastern Province.
The UAE confirmed that its air defence systems responded to incoming missile and drone threats, urging residents to rely on official updates.
Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in Tyre, Burj al-Shamali and the Bekaa Valley, as attacks intensified in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least six people were killed and 24 others injured in Israeli strikes on central Beirut, adding that the figures are preliminary.
Iranian officials warned of a “decisive” response to recent attacks. Separately, Iran’s judiciary said it executed a man convicted of spying for Israel and arrested dozens linked to anti-security networks.
Iran will hold funerals on Wednesday for senior security official Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary chief Gholamreza Soleimani, both killed in Israeli air strikes, according to state media.
Iraqi air defences intercepted a drone near a logistics support centre close to Baghdad airport, according to security sources.
US officials said more than 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones have been shot down since the start of the war, indicating intensified targeting of American assets.
Authorities in Iran’s Lorestan province said four people were killed and eight others injured in US-Israeli strikes on rural areas.
Iraq said it has resumed oil exports from Kirkuk to Turkey’s Ceyhan port with an initial capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, as energy routes face disruption.
Oil prices climbed, with Brent crude rising above $103 per barrel amid concerns over supply disruptions.
Authorities in Dubai said loud sounds heard across the city were due to successful air defence interceptions, confirming no injuries.
Mosques across Dubai began Qunut supplications during prayers, reflecting a broader response to the ongoing tensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the repercussions of the war “will affect everyone”.
This post was last modified on March 18, 2026 3:08 pm