Israel Declares Iran’s Next Supreme Leader a ‘Target for Elimination’
Israel Issues Warning
Israel Katz, Israel’s Defence Minister, warned on Wednesday that whoever is chosen as Iran’s next Supreme Leader would be considered “a target for elimination.” Posting on X, Katz said any leader appointed by Iran’s ruling establishment who continues policies aimed at threatening Israel, the United States, or its allies would be targeted.
“Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people — will be a target for elimination,” he wrote.
The warning comes after Israel targeted a building linked to Iran’s Assembly of Experts, responsible for selecting the country’s next supreme leader. Israel also claimed to have killed 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a strike on Saturday, triggering the ongoing regional conflict.
Iran Strikes Back
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced it had launched over 40 missiles at U.S. and Israeli targets as retaliatory strikes. The missiles targeted military and strategic sites linked to both countries, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
Khamenei Funeral in Tehran
Iranians will begin bidding farewell to Khamenei from 22:00 on Wednesday at Imam Khomeini Musallah. The large public mourning ceremony will allow citizens to pay their respects, with further mourning events scheduled in the coming days.
Israeli Strikes Across Iran
Israel reported striking dozens of targets across Iran, including security-related sites in Tehran. The Israeli military stated these attacks focused on locations connected to Iran’s security infrastructure.
Drone and Missile Incidents in the Region
-
A drone was shot down near Baghdad International Airport a day after a similar attack.
-
Saudi Arabia intercepted two cruise missiles over Al-Kharj.
-
Four people were killed in a strike on a building in eastern Lebanon.
Iran also claimed “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that ships passing through the key oil and gas shipping route could be at risk.
US Response and Political Developments
-
The U.S. launched strikes inside Iran earlier than planned, targeting missile launch sites and air defense systems, as global air travel and markets faced disruption.
-
President Donald Trump indicated that supporting internal opposition groups in Iran is under consideration, though no final decision has been made.
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Congress on the ongoing operations, warning that the “hardest hits are yet to come.”
Regional Impact
The conflict has disrupted flights and forced evacuations across the Middle East. India has canceled over 1,600 flights, while regional airlines continue limited operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes would continue but stressed that it would not be an “endless war.” (Agency)
