Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that the Israeli military has killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib. This alleged assassination follows the reported deaths of top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force. Iranian state media has not yet confirmed these deaths. The U.S. military also conducted strikes on Tuesday, firing multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator bombs on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns are rising over potential disruptions to global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for a fifth of the world’s oil transportation. Adding to the geopolitical tensions, Joe Kent, director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation, citing his inability to support the Trump administration’s war in Iran, which he claims was initiated under pressure from Israel and its American lobby. Kent described Iran as posing no imminent threat to the U.S.
Israel Targets Hezbollah-Linked Financial Institution in Beirut
The Israeli military stated on Wednesday that it had struck branches of al-Qard al-Hasan in Beirut overnight. Israel alleges this institution is used to fund Hezbollah’s military wing.
French Envoy Criticizes Both Hezbollah and Israel
Jean-Yves Le Drian, France’s special envoy for Lebanon, asserted on Wednesday that Hezbollah bears full responsibility for the renewed fighting in Lebanon. However, he also characterized Israel’s response as disproportionate and counterproductive, suggesting it unifies various actors against Israel.
Basij Chief Reportedly Killed While Hiding in a Tent
A senior Israeli military intelligence official claimed that Iran’s Basij force chief, General Gholam Reza Soleimani, was killed while concealed in a tent within a wooded area. The official, speaking anonymously due to the classified nature of the intelligence, indicated that such strikes aim to convey a message that Iranian leaders lack a safe haven.
Israel Claims Assassination of Iran’s Intelligence Minister
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Israel had killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib. This incident follows the reported killings of Ali Larijani, a prominent Iranian security official, and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Basij force. Katz hinted at further "significant surprises" expected throughout the day across various fronts, without providing specifics. The U.S. Treasury had previously sanctioned Khatib in 2022 for his ministry’s alleged involvement in cyber-enabled activities against the U.S. and its allies. The Treasury described Khatib as directing cyber threat actor networks engaged in espionage and ransomware attacks to advance Iran’s political objectives. His ministry was also implicated in cyber activities affecting Albanian government websites and the leaking of sensitive documents. Furthermore, the Treasury cited the Intelligence Ministry under Khatib’s leadership for serious human rights abuses, including the crackdown on activists, journalists, and minority groups, and the torture of detainees. In June 2025, Khatib claimed Iran had seized documents related to Israel’s nuclear program, a claim later partially corroborated by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency concerning Iran’s Soreq Nuclear Research Center. Khatib, a Shiite cleric with a background in Iran’s judiciary and Intelligence Ministry, also served in the Revolutionary Guard during the Iran-Iraq war. While Iranian state television broadcast a funeral procession for Ali Larijani and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, Iran had not officially acknowledged Khatib’s death. The Israeli military characterized the Intelligence Ministry as possessing "advanced intelligence capabilities" and conducting global operations, including against Israel. They specifically noted Khatib’s significant role during recent protests in Iran, in relation to arrests, killings, and shaping the regime’s intelligence assessments, including actions against protesters during the Mahsa Amini protests.
JUST IN: Israeli Defense Minister Asserts Israel Killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib
In a breaking development, Israel’s defense minister has declared that Israel is responsible for the death of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib.
Kremlin Condemns Killing of Larijani
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated unequivocally that Russia condemns the killings of Iran’s leadership, specifically addressing the death of Ali Larijani, identified as Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary and a powerful figure.
NATO Deploys Additional Patriot Air Defense Missiles to Turkey
Turkish military spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk announced that a second Patriot missile system is being dispatched to Adana province, where U.S. and other nations maintain a military presence alongside Turkish troops at Incirlik Air Base.
Al-Manar TV Journalist Killed in Airstrike
Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV reported that journalist Mohammed Sherri, head of its political program, was killed along with his wife in an Israeli airstrike on the Zokak Blatt neighborhood in central Beirut on Wednesday. His children and grandchildren sustained injuries in the attack. Sherri was a well-known presenter at the station for many years. Al-Manar’s headquarters south of Beirut was previously hit by an Israeli airstrike early in the conflict.
Iraq Resumes Exports of Kirkuk Oil via Turkey
Iraq announced on Wednesday the resumption of oil exports from Kirkuk fields through a pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. This development follows an agreement between the Iraqi government in Baghdad and the autonomous Kurdish administration. Initially, Iraq plans to export 250,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The ongoing war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have significantly impacted Iraq’s oil-dependent economy.
Russia Reports No Damage or Injuries from Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Power Plant
Alexei Likhachev, the head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, confirmed on Wednesday that a strike the previous day occurred near the metrology service building adjacent to a reactor at Iran’s nuclear power plant. He reported no increase in radiation levels and no injuries.
Israelis Near Lebanon Border Discover Missile Fragment
First responders and the police bomb squad cordoned off a section of a Kibbutz along the Lebanese border on Wednesday after the discovery of a missile fragment. The status of the missile, whether it was unexploded and posed a threat, was not immediately clear.
Israel Suspends UNICEF Shipments to Gaza from Egypt
Israel has halted UNICEF aid shipments to Gaza from Egypt following the discovery of smuggled tobacco and nicotine products. COGAT, Israel’s military body coordinating aid to Gaza, found the contraband hidden within hygiene kits at the Kerem Shalom crossing. UNICEF has not yet responded to a request for comment. COGAT cited the discovery of nicotine substances in bottles concealed within the kits as the reason for the suspension, which will remain in effect until UNICEF provides a response. Israel has maintained strict controls on aid entering Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023, although smuggling attempts have occurred. Previous charges were filed against individuals, including Israeli soldiers, for systematically smuggling goods into Gaza.
Lebanon Reports 10 Fatalities from Airstrikes in Central Beirut
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut since midnight have resulted in 10 deaths and 27 injuries. The ministry stated that since the escalation of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, 912 people have been killed and 2,221 wounded in Lebanon.
Iran Judiciary: "Attack" Claims Lives of Civilians and Judicial Staff
Iran’s judiciary reported on Wednesday that an enemy "attack" targeted southern Iran, causing casualties among civilians and judicial staff. The judiciary’s Mizan news agency stated that a judiciary site in Larestan County, Fars province, was targeted, resulting in the deaths and injuries of staff and civilians. The exact number of casualties is still being determined. Mizan later referred to airstrikes and blamed the United States and Israel.
JUST IN: Iran’s Judiciary Reports "Attack" in Southern Iran Resulting in Civilian and Judicial Casualties
Iran’s judiciary has announced that an "attack" struck southern Iran, leading to the deaths and injuries of civilians and judicial staff.
Saudi Ministry Reports Interception of Second Drone Over Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced that its forces intercepted a second drone over Riyadh on Wednesday. The drone was reportedly approaching the capital’s diplomatic quarter, which houses the U.S. embassy and other foreign missions. Earlier that morning, the ministry had reported destroying a drone heading towards the same area.
Israeli Strikes in Central Beirut Disrupt Residents’ Sense of Security
Residents and first responders reported that Israeli overnight strikes on central Beirut have shattered any illusion of safety in the capital. While Israel has primarily focused its strikes on areas with strong Hezbollah presence in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, several attacks on Wednesday morning hit central neighborhoods, some without prior warning. A fire brigade captain in the Bachoura neighborhood described the current situation as Beirut being no different from the southern suburbs. A resident in the Basta neighborhood expressed feelings of insecurity, stating there was "no safety" and that Beirut was no different from other areas.
Explosions Heard in Irbil City, Iraq
An Associated Press journalist reported hearing loud explosions in Irbil city, located in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, on Wednesday morning.
Israeli Strikes Kill 2 in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes in the western Bekaa valley on Wednesday killed at least two people and wounded six others in the town of Sohmor.
Islamic and Arab Foreign Ministers to Convene for Regional Security Discussions
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host a consultative meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries on Wednesday to address regional security and stability amidst the ongoing Iran war. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the meeting in Riyadh will focus on ways to support regional security and stability. Gulf Arab states have faced criticism from Iran, as well as from the United States and Israel, for their stance on the war.
Saudi Forces Neutralize Drone Approaching Diplomatic Quarter
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that its forces shot down a drone on Wednesday morning as it was approaching the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh, the capital, which hosts the U.S. embassy and other foreign missions.
Latest Reports of Live Fire
This section indicates that there are ongoing reports of live fire incidents.
Iran Executes Man Accused of Spying for Mossad
Iran’s judiciary announced on Wednesday the execution of a man accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. The judiciary’s Mizan news agency identified the individual as Kourosh Keyvani, marking the first publicly announced execution for espionage during the current conflict. Iran alleges Keyvani provided images and information on sensitive locations to Mossad. Iran, known for its high execution rates, has a history of conducting trials in closed sessions where defendants may not have adequate legal recourse. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about potential mass executions following nationwide protests in Iran, which were met with a violent crackdown.
JUST IN: Iran’s Judiciary Confirms Execution of Man Alleged to Have Spied for Israel’s Mossad
Iran’s judiciary has confirmed the execution of an individual accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
No U.S. Request for Assistance in Keeping Strait of Hormuz Open, Australian Minister States
A senior Australian government minister stated that he is unaware of any formal U.S. request for military assistance to ensure the open passage of the Strait of Hormuz. Treasurer Jim Chalmers was responding to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Australia, Japan, South Korea, and NATO had declined his appeals for help in securing the strait from Iranian attacks. Chalmers clarified that Australia has not been considering sending naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz.
