Tehran: Amid the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran, a shocking new development has sent tremors through the international community. Senior Israeli officials and political sources have hinted at the possibility of targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to a report published in the Wall Street Journal, a high-ranking Israeli official openly stated that there is no restriction on targeting Khamenei and that the war would not end until Iran voluntarily dismantles its nuclear program or is rendered incapable of restarting it.
This sentiment was echoed by Israel’s Channel 12, which quoted a political source saying that the assassination of Khamenei is not off the table, although it would depend on evolving circumstances. The rhetoric marks a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy. While the initial focus of Operation Rising Lion was to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, recent developments suggest the scope has widened to disrupting Iran’s leadership and military command.
The past week has seen Israel launching extensive airstrikes on key Iranian military installations, including targets in Tehran. These strikes reportedly killed several top commanders, including the chief of the Revolutionary Guards, the air force commander, and a former national security chief. Reports also suggest Israel inflicted heavy damage on the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, with claims of at least nine nuclear scientists killed in the assault.
As talk of targeting Khamenei gains traction, Iran has responded with defiance. In a televised address, Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Israel would face serious consequences, stating that the regime would pay a heavy price for its “reckless and deadly aggression.” In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at major Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, damaging residential areas and causing civilian casualties. At least a dozen people are reported dead, and dozens more injured.
The growing hostilities and open discussion about assassinating a nation’s top political and religious leader have alarmed global powers. Analysts warn that any attempt on Khamenei’s life could be viewed as a state-sponsored assassination and may trigger a regional war with far-reaching implications. With more than 130 Iranians reportedly killed in Israeli strikes, including key military and nuclear personnel, and over 200 Israelis injured in Iranian missile attacks, the death toll continues to rise on both sides.
Diplomats and analysts alike now fear the conflict may be heading beyond the point of control. The situation remains fluid, and the next few days are expected to be critical in determining whether the region inches toward peace—or plunges deeper into chaos.
