Israel Defence Minister Claims Attempted Killing of Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addresses the Expediency Discernment Council in Tehran, October 12, 2022.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed that during the recent conflict with Iran, Israel aimed to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but was unable to do so.

“If he had been in our sights, we would have taken him out,” Katz said, adding that the military “searched a lot” for him.

He explained that Khamenei went deep underground and cut communication with commanders, making the mission unrealistic.

Katz said Israel would halt assassination attempts now that a ceasefire is in place, marking a clear distinction from actions taken before the ceasefire.

Earlier in the war, Katz declared that Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist,” following reports that assassination plans were blocked.

He also advised Khamenei to remain in bunkers, referencing the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel in a Beirut airstrike in September 2024.

Khamenei’s movements remain highly secured and secretive, as he has not left Iran since assuming power.

Katz affirmed Israel’s continued aerial superiority over Iran and its readiness to strike again if necessary.

“We won’t let Iran develop nuclear weapons and threaten us with long-range missiles,” he said.

While Israel does not know the precise location of all Iran’s enriched uranium, Katz said Israeli airstrikes have significantly damaged Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities.

The true impact of Israeli and allied strikes on Iran’s nuclear programme remains debated. Some reports estimate only a few months’ setback, while others claim the damage will take years to repair.

The 12-day conflict, beginning June 13 with Israeli bombings aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ended with a ceasefire on June 24. Both Israel and Iran have claimed victory, though Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons.