History of Esmaeil Khatib in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

Esmaeil Khatib is an Iranian cleric and politician. Since August 2021, he has served as the Minister of Intelligence, the eighth person to hold this position. His role places him as a key figure in Iranian politics and governance, specifically related to intelligence and security matters.

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Full Timeline

1961: Birth of Esmaeil Khatib

Esmaeil Khatib was born in 1961. Details of his early life are not specified in this document.

1961: Birth in Qaen, South Khorasan

In 1961, Khatib was born in Qaen, South Khorasan. Later, he studied Islamic jurisprudence in Qom.

1985: Assignment to IRGC Intelligence Unit

In 1985, Khatib was assigned to the intelligence unit of the IRGC by Mohsen Rezaei.

1991: End of IRGC Intelligence Unit Post

In 1991, Khatib's assignment to the intelligence unit of the IRGC ended.

1999: Appointed Head of Ministry's Regional Branch in Qom

In 1999, during Ali Fallahian's tenure as Minister of Intelligence, Khatib was appointed head of the ministry's regional branch in Qom.

2010: Appointed Chief Warden in the Office of Supreme Leader

In 2010, Khatib was appointed as chief warden in the Office of the Supreme Leader.

August 2021: Appointed Minister of Intelligence

In August 2021, Esmaeil Khatib became the Minister of Intelligence. This is his current role as of the writing of this document.

August 2021: Confirmation as Minister of Intelligence

In August 2021, Khatib was confirmed by the Majlis as the Minister of Intelligence in President Ebrahim Raisi's cabinet, receiving 222 votes in favor and replacing Mahmoud Alavi.

March 2026: Targeted in Israeli Airstrikes

In March 2026, specifically on the 17th and 18th, Khatib was targeted in overnight Israeli airstrikes, and according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, he was killed.

2026: Reported Death in Israeli Airstrikes

In 2026, Esmaeil Khatib was reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes during the 2026 Iran war, but Iranian authorities have not confirmed this information.