JERUSALEM — Israeli military commanders have been granted broad authority to strike Iranian leadership targets following what defense sources describe as a successful operation against Tehran's Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib. The reported killing marks the third high-profile assassination in two days, signaling a dramatic escalation in Israel's covert operations against Iranian officials.

Tehran has maintained silence regarding Khatib's status, refusing to confirm or deny the intelligence minister's death. Iranian state media outlets have avoided coverage of the incident, while government spokesmen have declined comment when approached by international correspondents. This media blackout mirrors Iran's response to previous Israeli operations targeting senior Revolutionary Guard commanders.

Defense analysts suggest Israel's expanded targeting authorization represents a fundamental shift in operational doctrine. "This level of systematic targeting indicates a coordinated campaign rather than isolated incidents," said Sarah Mitchell, senior fellow at the Institute for Middle East Security Studies. "The timing suggests Israeli intelligence has identified a window of vulnerability within Iranian command structures."

The escalation comes amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional proxy activities. Former CIA operative James Harrison noted that such operations typically require months of preparation. "Intelligence gathering, asset positioning, and operational planning for this scale of activity suggests Israeli services have been preparing for systematic leadership elimination," Harrison told reporters. The expanded military authorization could signal preparation for broader regional confrontation.