Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was “eliminated” in an overnight military operation. Iran had not officially confirmed the death at the time of publication. After the announcement, risk-off sentiment hit markets quickly, with Bitcoin dropping below $73,000 and Ethereum falling through the $2,300 level.
Israeli statement leaves a gap as Tehran stays silent
According to the report, Katz publicly said on July 18 that the senior Iranian official, who oversaw a central part of the country’s intelligence apparatus, was killed in a targeted strike. For now, the claim has come from Israel alone. No formal statement from Tehran had confirmed Khatib’s death, leaving the situation in a brief information vacuum as markets and regional observers watch for an Iranian response.
Military cleared for additional targeted killings
Katz also said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to expand the Israeli military’s authority. Under that authorization, future operations aimed at other senior Iranian officials could be carried out directly by the military, without additional political approval. The remark points to a major escalation in how Israel says it may handle future strikes on high-level Iranian targets.
Crypto prices slide as geopolitical risk climbs
The report said digital assets weakened as the regional conflict intensified. Bitcoin was quoted at $72,775, below the $73,000 mark, while Ethereum was at $2,260, under $2,300. The move showed how quickly crypto prices reacted as traders repriced short-term geopolitical risk.