Israel’s Defence Minister Confirms Khamenei Was 'Targeted' For Assassination During 12-Day War With Iran

Tel Aviv: Israel Defence Minister Katz has revealed that Israel had planned to assassinate Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the 12-day war between the two countries.

The conflict, which ended earlier this week with a ceasefire, saw several escalations; however, Katz's remarks suggest that it could have reached an even more explosive turning point.

In an interview with Israel's Channel 13 on Thursday, June 26, Katz said, “We wanted to eliminate Khamenei, but there was no operational opportunity.” His admission raised many eyebrows internationally, especially given the implications of such high-profile targeted killing.

Here's a clip from the interview that's currently doing the rounds on social media:

‘No US permission needed’, says Katz

Katz also appeared to directly contradict earlier reports that the United States had vetoed any move to assassinate Khamenei. The defence minister insisted Israel would not have required American approval, framing the potential strike as an autonomous Israeli decision.

The minister further claimed that Khamenei was aware of the looming threat and responded by going “underground to very great depths,” breaking off contact with newly appointed commanders who had replaced Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders killed in the first wave of Israeli strikes.

Despite Katz’s assertion, there is no verified evidence that Khamenei was completely cut off from his generals. During the war, the Supreme Leader released several video messages on social media, and Iranian officials maintained that command lines remained functional.

An assassination that could have changed the course of history

Had the operation been carried out, the killing of Khamenei would have represented a dramatic escalation in an already volatile conflict. As the highest political and spiritual authority in Iran, Khamenei’s death would not only have triggered severe retaliation but potentially inflamed sectarian tensions across the region.

The idea of targeting the Supreme Leader comes amid heightened rhetoric from both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump had claimed the war could pave the way for regime change in Iran. Trump even posted on social media during the conflict, saying the war could “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN.”

Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025, 04:13 PM IST