Iranian Intelligence Chief Accuses US, Israel of Plotting to Assassinate Khamenei
Foreign adversaries, including the US and Israel, have reportedly sought to assassinate Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ISNA news agency reported that Iran’s intelligence chief, Esmail Khatib, accused the US and Israel of plotting to kill Khamenei in an effort to destabilize the country. Khatib alleged that the enemy seeks to target the supreme leader with assassination attempts or hostile attacks.
These accusations come in the wake of the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, where Israeli strikes killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. The conflict, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24, saw Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justify the attacks as a measure to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Washington joined the Israeli raids on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, with Tehran condemning the strikes as unprovoked.
Khatib reportedly warned that those who act in this direction, knowingly or unknowingly, are the infiltrating agents of the enemy. He also claimed that Israel was grappling 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. Khatib stated that Iran had obtained secret nuclear information and other highly sensitive security documents.
The intelligence breach, coupled with Iran’s firm posture during the 12-day war, points to shifting regional power dynamics. Earlier this year, Netanyahu dismissed reports that US President Donald Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei during the war, while suggesting that such a strike would end the conflict. Trump had previously claimed Khamenei was a ‘very easy target’ and that Washington would not ‘take him out’ at least not for now, later stating on Truth Social that he had spared the Iranian leader from ‘A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH.’
Khamenei, 86, has been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989 and holds final authority over all state affairs. His position is critical to the country’s political and military strategy, making him a high-value target for adversaries seeking to destabilize Iran. The recent accusations of assassination plots and espionage activities reflect the deepening tensions between Iran and its regional adversaries, as well as the broader geopolitical stakes in the Middle East.
As the situation continues to escalate, the implications for international relations, regional security, and global nuclear non-proliferation efforts remain significant. The accusations have sparked renewed calls for diplomatic solutions and increased vigilance in intelligence operations. With both sides accusing each other of espionage and plotting against their leaders, the potential for further conflict remains a pressing concern.
