According to the ISNA news agency, Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib accused the United States and Israel of plotting to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as part of an effort to destabilize the country. Khatib made the remarks on Saturday, stating that the enemy seeks to target the supreme leader with assassination attempts and hostile attacks. The intelligence chief’s remarks have sparked international concerns, especially as the tensions between Israel and Iran remain high.
The accusation follows the 12-day war between Israel and Iran that erupted in June. During this conflict, Israeli strikes killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, prompting Iran to describe the attacks as unprovoked. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as a necessary measure to halt Iran’s nuclear program, a campaign supported by the United States, which joined in the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. Despite these actions, Tehran, which denies seeking a nuclear weapon, condemned the strikes as an act of aggression.
Khatib further alleged that Israel is dealing with an ‘epidemic of infiltration and espionage for Iran within its own institutions,’ citing the recent arrest of an Israeli Air Force officer accused of spying for Tehran. This claim implies that Iran may have access to sensitive information through these infiltrated agents. The intelligence minister also stated that the breach of information, combined with Iran’s firm stance during the war, indicates a shift in regional power dynamics.
Earlier in the year, Netanyahu dismissed reports that US President Donald Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei during the war, stating that such a strike would ‘end the conflict.’ Trump had previously described Khamenei as an ‘easy target’ and claimed Washington would not ‘take him out, at least not for now,’ later asserting on Truth Social that he had spared the Iranian leader from ‘A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH.’ These statements suggest a potential disagreement between Israel and the United States regarding the approach to addressing Iran’s leadership.
Khamenei, 86, has held the position of supreme leader in Iran since 1989, with final authority over all state affairs. The allegations against the US and Israel regarding Khamenei’s safety could have significant implications for international relations, as it highlights ongoing tensions and the potential for escalation in the region.