Hyderabad, March 18 -- Israel has escalated its campaign against Iran, with Defence Minister Israel Katz saying the military is authorised to target any senior Iranian official without further political approval, signalling a significant expansion of the conflict.

Katz's statement came after Israel claimed it had killed Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed the report.

The development comes as Israeli strikes intensify across Lebanon and Iran, with rising casualties and widening regional spillover.

Who was Esmaeil Khatib

Esmaeil Khatib had been serving as Iran's intelligence minister since 2021. A Shiite cleric, he held multiple roles within Iran's judiciary and intelligence apparat...