By Joe Udo
TEL AVIV (CONVERSEER) – The Israeli government has authorised its military to target and eliminate senior Iranian officials without requiring case-by-case political approval, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the directive on Wednesday, describing it as a “no immunity” phase of the war. He said the decision was jointly approved with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“No one in Iran has immunity and everyone is in the crosshairs,” Katz stated.
He added, “The Prime Minister and I have authorised the Israel Defense Forces to target any senior Iranian official for whom an intelligence and operational opportunity arises, without the need for additional approval.”
The announcement followed reports of the killing of Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, in an overnight strike in Tehran. Iranian authorities have yet to officially confirm his death.
If verified, Khatib would be the third senior figure lost within 48 hours, after the confirmed deaths of security chief Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani.
While Tehran has held large funeral processions for Larijani and Soleimani, officials have remained silent on Khatib’s status. Israeli authorities have described the latest operation as a significant blow to Iran’s security structure.
The conflict widened economically on Wednesday with reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Facilities at the South Pars gas field in Asaluyeh—the world’s largest shared natural gas reserve—were hit, triggering fires and raising concerns over regional energy stability.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards subsequently warned neighbouring Gulf states to evacuate energy installations, escalating fears of broader disruption across the region.
Qatar condemned the strikes, describing them as dangerous and irresponsible.
In retaliation, Iran launched multiple-warhead missiles targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba.
Israeli emergency services confirmed at least two fatalities in Ramat Gan following the attacks.
The joint military operations involving the United States and Israel have been ongoing since February 28, marking several weeks of intensifying hostilities across the region.
