Netanyahu suggests eliminating Khamenei could end conflict, as hostilities intensify

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could “end” the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, as hostilities between the two long-time rivals entered a fourth consecutive day.

In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu did not rule out targeting Khamenei directly, stating: “It’s not going to escalate the conflict; it’s going to end the conflict. The ‘forever war’ is what Iran wants... What Israel is doing is preventing this, bringing an end to this aggression, and we can only do so by standing up to the forces of evil.”

Netanyahu confirmed Israel had already struck top Iranian nuclear scientists and added, “I’m not going to get into the details, but we’re doing what we need to do.”

U.S. Caution and Advisory

The remarks follow reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department on Monday updated its travel advisory, warning American citizens against traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to the high security risks amid ongoing military operations.

Escalating Violence

Since Israel launched a coordinated wave of airstrikes and drone attacks on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure on June 13, the region has been locked in a deadly tit-for-tat.

Israel reports 24 people killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since the conflict began.

Iran says at least 224 people have died and over 1,000 wounded due to Israeli airstrikes.

In response to recent Israeli attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) launched an eighth wave of missile strikes late Monday targeting what it calls the "occupied territories," according to state-run Press TV.

Israeli media outlets including Channel 12 and Yedioth Ahronoth reported air raid sirens in Haifa, Krayot, Galilee, and Lower Galilee, following a barrage of missiles launched toward northern Israel. Interceptions were heard, but no casualties were reported as of press time.

Israeli Strikes Hit Iranian State Broadcaster

One of the most symbolic strikes occurred Monday evening when Israeli forces hit the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran’s 3rd district, shortly after an official announcement by the Israeli military.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X (formerly Twitter): “The Iranian regime’s propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was hit by the Israeli army after the large-scale evacuation of the local population.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right figure in Netanyahu’s cabinet, added: “We will not allow broadcasts against Israel, even in the heart of Tehran.”

Footage aired on Iranian TV just before the strike showed news presenters abandoning their desks as sirens wailed and explosions were heard nearby.

Regional and Global Implications

The intensifying military campaign raises the specter of a broader war in the Middle East, with both countries escalating toward unprecedented levels of direct conflict. Iran’s latest missile volley and Israel’s continued strikes on symbolic and strategic targets mark a significant departure from the decades of proxy and covert hostilities that have characterized their rivalry.

With no ceasefire in sight, and diplomatic efforts stalled, global powers including China, Turkey, and several European countries have called for restraint and renewed negotiations. However, Netanyahu’s recent remarks suggest Israel remains committed to a decisive military outcome.