Iran’s intelligence chief has accused the US and Israel of plotting to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran’s intelligence chief, Esmail Khatib, has accused the United States and Israel of plotting to assassinate Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in an effort to destabilize the country. According to ISNA news agency, the claims were reported as Khatib stated that the enemy seeks to target Khamenei through various hostile actions. These allegations come following the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June, where Israeli strikes killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. The war was sparked by Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, which the Israeli government claimed were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The US, which has been a key ally of Israel, joined the Israeli raids on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, according to the report. Tehran condemned the strikes as unprovoked, denying any pursuit of a nuclear weapon. The recent tensions have led to increased hostility between the two nations, with Israel accusing Iran of posing a threat to regional stability. The allegations of assassination plots are part of a broader conflict that has escalated over the past few months, with both sides accusing each other of espionage and sabotage efforts. The war has also drawn international attention, with several countries expressing concern over the potential for further escalation. The Iranian government has been seeking to rebuild the damaged nuclear sites, which were hit during the recent strikes. The situation remains volatile, with both countries continuing to engage in a standoff that has left the region on edge. In addition to the allegations of assassination plots, Khatib has also accused Israel of an epidemic of infiltration and espionage, citing the recent arrest of an Israeli Air Force officer accused of spying for Tehran. These claims underscore the deepening mistrust between the two nations and the potential for further conflict. The situation reflects the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran and Israel standing at odds over a range of issues, including nuclear development and regional influence. The allegations of assassination plots and espionage efforts highlight the complex and dangerous nature of the ongoing conflict, with both sides accusing each other of undermining their security and stability.