Tensions Escalate: Israel Claims Strike on Iranian Minister

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was allegedly killed in an overnight strike. Iran hasn't confirmed this claim. Katz mentioned that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have empowered the military to eliminate any targeted senior Iranian officials without requiring further sanction.

In a striking escalation of regional tension, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was reportedly killed during an overnight operation.

Iran is yet to issue a confirmation regarding the alleged death of Khatib. This development further inflames already strained relations between the two nations.

Revealing the strategic directive, Katz stated that he, alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has granted the military carte blanche to eliminate any other Iranian officials they target, bypassing the need for additional authorizations.

(With inputs from agencies.)