Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a series of striking statements. In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu refused to rule out targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a means to end the ongoing conflict. He asserted that such action wouldn’t escalate the situation, but rather bring it to a decisive conclusion. This follows earlier comments suggesting a potential regime change in Iran as a possible outcome of Israel’s military operations.
Netanyahu’s comments come as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters a new phase. President Donald Trump’s early departure from the G7 summit in Canada, followed by meetings with top military officials in Washington, has fueled speculation. While Trump denied his departure was related to a potential ceasefire, he hinted at significant developments unfolding behind the scenes.
Overnight air strikes and explosions in Tehran have further intensified the situation. Israel claims to have eliminated Ali Shadmani, Iran’s new wartime chief of staff, a claim that Iranian officials have yet to confirm. This strike, along with previous attacks, has significantly weakened Iran’s military leadership and targeted scientists involved in the country’s nuclear program, which Israel views as an existential threat.
In response to Israel’s offensive, Iran has launched retaliatory missile attacks, triggering air raid alerts in parts of Israel. The escalating violence has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Iranian state media reporting at least 224 deaths and Israeli sources confirming at least 24. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, has also condemned Iran for breaching its non-proliferation obligations.
Despite growing calls for regime change in Iran from Israel and its allies, a research fellow at Tehran University, Mohammad Eslami, indicates that Iranian public sentiment is currently focused on national unity and resilience. He describes the current atmosphere as a ‘rally around the flag’ moment, highlighting the Iranian people’s prioritization of their country’s stability.
Netanyahu also addressed reports of disagreements with President Trump regarding the targeting of Khamenei, urging against hasty conclusions. He argued that U.S. support for Israel’s actions against Iran’s nuclear program is crucial to preventing a larger, nuclear conflict, accusing Iran of deliberately prolonging negotiations over a nuclear deal. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation or de-escalation still uncertain.
