Israel Planned Khamenei Assassination During 12-Day War

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel planned to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the 12-day war, but the attempt was thwarted as Khamenei went into deep hiding. Katz emphasized that Israel would have acted without needing U.S. approval, refuting reports of any American veto. The plot gained urgency after an Iranian missile strike injured dozens in Beersheba, but operational opportunity did not arise. Throughout the conflict, which began on June 13, Israel reportedly killed several Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reached. Khamenei later appeared publicly, downplaying damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and asserting Iran’s resilience. Casualty figures remain disputed, with Iranian sources citing hundreds killed and thousands wounded, while Israel reported dozens of fatalities.