The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered a dangerous phase, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly firm on his decision to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite clear opposition from the United States, Israel continues to pursue what it sees as a final blow to end decades of hostility with Tehran.
According to reports, the United States has communicated to Israel that it does not support the assassination of Khamenei. However, Netanyahu remains unwavering, claiming that eliminating the Supreme Leader is the only way to end the ongoing conflict. He argues that Khamenei’s death would dismantle the core of Iran’s destabilising influence in the region and bring the war to a close.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to take out Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei – Reuters
Senior U.S. official said that Iran has not directly attacked an American yet – "Until they do we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership."
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 15, 2025
In the face of this threat, Khamenei has reportedly cancelled all public appearances and is frequently moving between bunkers. Intelligence reports suggest that the Supreme Leader and his family, including his son Mojtaba, have relocated to a secure underground facility in Lavisan, northeast of Tehran, fearing an imminent Israeli attack. Iranian authorities have warned that no place in the country is safe for Khamenei anymore.
Amid this escalating crisis, Israel launched a major airstrike in Tehran, targeting Iran’s state media headquarters and a military base. It also claimed to have destroyed a missile storage facility in western Iran and shot down Iranian warplanes. In retaliation, Iran reportedly fired missiles and drones at Israeli targets and issued a stern warning that Tel Aviv would be attacked. Israel, in turn, placed its population on high alert.
The Islamic Republic appears powerless against #Israel’s ongoing attack. Videos from various parts of Tehran tonight show more explosions, fire, and continuous anti-aircraft firing as #Iran’s regime desperately attempts to regain control but to no avail.#IRGCterrorists pic.twitter.com/iO6a9lH3B6
— Ali Javanmardi (@Javanmardi75) June 13, 2025
Despite mounting international concern, Netanyahu maintains that Israel’s actions are aimed at preventing a prolonged conflict that could plunge the region, and the world, into nuclear catastrophe. He accuses Iran of spreading terror for over five decades, citing attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil fields and continued support for militant proxies.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has publicly distanced himself from Israeli plans to assassinate Khamenei. The US has emphasised that Iran has not killed any Americans and that the US would not consider targeting Iranian political leadership unless that changes. Trump has also declined to sign a G7 statement calling for an end to the conflict, but warned Iran that it cannot win a war and must soon come to the negotiating table. Writing on Truth Social, Trump urged all civilians to leave Tehran, signalling his expectation of further escalation.
Pakistan's double game on #IranIsraelConflict exposed, PM Shehbaz Sharif vows solidarity with Tehran but closes all its major borders with the country#Exclusive input: @manojkumargupta
News18's @akankshaswarups with details@kritsween | #Israel #Iran #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/pydRqiGwnJ
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 17, 2025
Despite US resistance, Israel appears to have identified a strategic opportunity to eliminate Khamenei and reportedly presented the plan to Washington on multiple occasions. Though Trump is said to have rejected the proposal, Netanyahu insists he had briefed the US before launching strikes on Iran.
As the Supreme Leader remains in hiding and Israel intensifies its operations, the region braces for what may become a full-scale war, with diplomatic channels narrowing and military postures hardening on both sides.
