Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to rule out assassinating Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate sharply.
In a Monday interview with ABC News, Netanyahu responded to reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump had rejected an Israeli plan to target Khamenei. “It’s not going to escalate the conflict—it’s going to end it,” Netanyahu stated. “The ‘forever war’ is what Iran wants. They’re pushing us to the brink of nuclear war. What Israel is doing is stopping that.”
When asked directly whether he would authorize an attempt on Khamenei’s life, Netanyahu remained vague. “We’re doing what we need to do. I’m not going into details, but we’ve already targeted their top nuclear scientists,” he said.
Since Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities last Friday—described by officials as a preemptive measure against Iran’s nuclear ambitions—it has also hit civilian areas and media infrastructure, causing multiple casualties. Iran has accused Israel of using the attacks to derail ongoing nuclear talks mediated by Oman.
The United States, previously engaged in diplomacy with Tehran, has endorsed Israel’s operation. Netanyahu claimed Israel's actions serve global security: “Today, it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York. I understand ‘America First’. What I don’t understand is ‘America Dead.’”
Israeli officials have reportedly requested U.S. assistance in attacking Iranian nuclear sites buried deep underground. The Israeli Air Force lacks the bunker-busting munitions needed, but Washington possesses them, according to a report by Axios.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and has denounced the Israeli strikes as an act of aggression. “Iran did NOT begin this war and has no interest in perpetuating bloodshed,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X. “But we will proudly fight to the last drop of blood to protect our land. Getting the US mired in the Mother of Forever Wars will destroy any chance of diplomacy.”
Tensions continue to rise as both nations exchange rhetoric and strikes, drawing increasing global concern over the risk of regional war.
Source: RT
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
