Israeli Officials Threaten to Assassinate Khamenei

A photo released by the Israeli Ministry of Defense showing F-22 and F-35 fighter jets during a military mission (Archive Photo)
A photo released by the Israeli Ministry of Defense showing F-22 and F-35 fighter jets during a military mission (Archive Photo)
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Israeli Officials Threaten to Assassinate Khamenei

A photo released by the Israeli Ministry of Defense showing F-22 and F-35 fighter jets during a military mission (Archive Photo)
A photo released by the Israeli Ministry of Defense showing F-22 and F-35 fighter jets during a military mission (Archive Photo)

As Tel Aviv and Washington discuss Israel’s response to a recent Iranian missile attack, Israeli officials hinted at a threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Amichai Chikli, the Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, is one of the officials that made such comments after Khamenei posted on X following Iran’s launch of around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel.
In response to Khamenei’s remarks, Chikli wrote, “You are the root of all problems in our region, but that won’t last long.”
Analysts connected his remarks to previous threats from higher-ranking officials.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana warned Khamenei in a post, saying his end is near and to “say hello to your end.”
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi issued a more ambiguous threat.
“This is not the last we have to offer... Anyone who threatens Israeli citizens will be reached,” said Halevi.
“We are fully prepared on all fronts, and our forces must ensure complete readiness and coordination with other agencies,” he emphasized.
After the Iranian attack on Israel, Reuters reported that Khamenei was moved to a secure location, as confirmed by a reliable source. The source stated that Khamenei ordered the missile strikes on Israel.
Iran aimed to communicate that the attack was a response to the deaths of key figures like Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. However, Israeli leaders have stated their determination to keep the score open and retaliate strongly against the assault.



Iran Rules Out Israeli Strike on its Nuclear Facilities

A billboard displays a phrase in Persian saying: "Iran ignites the fire in the darkness of history" in Vali Asr Square in central Tehran (EPA).
A billboard displays a phrase in Persian saying: "Iran ignites the fire in the darkness of history" in Vali Asr Square in central Tehran (EPA).
TT

Iran Rules Out Israeli Strike on its Nuclear Facilities

A billboard displays a phrase in Persian saying: "Iran ignites the fire in the darkness of history" in Vali Asr Square in central Tehran (EPA).
A billboard displays a phrase in Persian saying: "Iran ignites the fire in the darkness of history" in Vali Asr Square in central Tehran (EPA).

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out the possibility of Israel launching strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in response to the second direct missile attack by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Israeli territory.

“We doubt that Israel would dare to attack our nuclear facilities,” Iranian state agencies quoted Araghchi as saying. He reiterated that his country is fully prepared to retaliate against any potential Israeli aggression with a stronger response than before.

This comes as Iran's Atomic Energy Organization announced on Wednesday that it has secured its nuclear sites against any possible Israeli attack. Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, claiming it was in retaliation for Israeli attacks that killed leaders from Hezbollah and Hamas in Beirut and Tehran.

Araghchi's comments came amidst speculation about Tel Aviv’s potential response to the missile strike, which targeted three military bases and a Mossad headquarters in Israel. Western analysts suggested that Israel might attack strategic sites in Iran, including nuclear facilities and petrochemical plants, to deal a significant blow to the country’s already struggling economy, exacerbated by US sanctions.

In this context, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called for a decisive strike to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities, asserting that Israel now has the justification and tools to cripple the regime. Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that Iran should “pay a heavy price” for the attack, emphasizing that Israel must send a strong message to Tehran and its allies across the region.

For his part, US President Joe Biden indicated that he would not support an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking on Wednesday, Biden responded with a firm "No" when asked if he would back such a move following Iran's missile barrage.

Among the potential Iranian targets in an Israeli strike is the Natanz facility, which has experienced multiple sabotage attempts since 2003. Another target could be the Fordow facility, where Iran enriches uranium to 60%. Military installations, including IRGC missile bases near Tehran, are also likely to be on Israel’s radar.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, have warned that if Israel attacks, they are ready to retaliate by targeting Israeli nuclear facilities. The commander of the IRGC unit responsible for protecting Iran’s nuclear sites stated that Iran's missile forces are prepared to strike back against Israel in the event of an attack.

The commander further emphasized that Israel’s nuclear facilities are under Iran's intelligence surveillance, and that Iran possesses the necessary information to accurately target these sites. He added that Iran's missile systems are primed and ready to launch retaliatory strikes if needed.

Historically, Israel has conducted airstrikes on nuclear facilities in the Middle East, such as the destruction of Iraq's Tammuz reactor in 1981 and a Syrian reactor in 2007.