Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he does not rule out the possibility of targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting such an operation could bring a decisive end to the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
The comments were made during an interview with ABC News on June 16, amid a rapid escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran. When asked whether the assassination of Khamenei was being considered, Netanyahu responded:
“It’s not going to escalate the conflict. It’s going to end the conflict.”
The Israeli leader justified the statement by accusing Khamenei’s regime of funding and directing decades of regional aggression, including support for militant proxies and advancement of nuclear capabilities.
According to an Israeli official cited by The Wall Street Journal, Khamenei is considered a legitimate target under Israel’s evolving military doctrine, which now includes senior political figures believed to be directing attacks against Israel.
“We are targeting command structures. That includes top decision-makers,” the unnamed official stated.
These remarks came just days after Israeli airstrikes hit multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites, including Natanz and Arak, and as Iranian missile strikes wounded hundreds in Israeli cities.
In a related development, sources told Reuters and CBS News that former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate Khamenei. Trump allegedly described the Iranian leader as an “easy target” but chose not to authorize the operation during his time in office.
The shift in tone from Israel now signals a potentially more aggressive strategy following the recent exchange of hostilities, which has left hundreds injured and prompted international concern over further escalation.
The Israeli government’s new posture has drawn reactions from global leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin, when asked about Netanyahu’s remarks, declined to comment directly but emphasized that Iran’s leadership appeared stable and unified.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Khamenei remains in Tehran and has vowed that Iran “will not surrender to Zionist aggression.” Iranian officials condemned Israel’s statements as “acts of war.”
The United Nations and European Union have called for restraint and warned that any attempt to assassinate a sitting head of state could constitute a violation of international law.
While the United States has not officially responded to Netanyahu’s latest comments, administration officials have acknowledged that Washington is “closely monitoring” Israel’s actions and Iran’s response.
Lawmakers in Congress remain divided over how far the U.S. should go in supporting Israeli military operations. Some warn that endorsing an assassination campaign could entangle the U.S. in direct conflict with Iran.
