The Middle East conflict is entering an even more dangerous phase after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib had been killed in a nighttime strike. During a briefing with military officials, as reported by Israeli media, Katz announced a further escalation of the conflict, saying that “significant surprises on all fronts” were expected in Israel’s war against Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, The Guardian reports.
“The intensity of attacks in Iran is increasing. Intelligence Minister Khatib was also eliminated during the night,” Katz said, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had authorized the military to eliminate senior Iranian officials without additional procedures. The claims come just a day after Iran confirmed the deaths of its security chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary commander Gholamrez Soleimani, who were also killed in Israeli strikes, according to earlier reports.
There has been no official confirmation from Tehran of Khatib’s alleged death, further adding to uncertainty and tensions in the region. Analysts warn that confirmation of such killings could provoke a strong response from Iran and open the way for a wider regional conflict.
