Israel Says Khamenei Hid Underground to Evade Assassination During War

During the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that Israel had planned to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but was unable to do so because Khamenei went deep underground and severed contact with military commanders. Katz stated that if Khamenei had been within their reach, Israel would have taken him out, highlighting that the leader's evasion was a significant factor in the failed assassination attempt. Israel killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists in airstrikes early in the conflict, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides before a US-brokered ceasefire was declared. Katz compared Khamenei's hiding strategy to that of Hezbollah's late leader Nasrallah, advising Khamenei to remain cautious. Despite the ceasefire, Khamenei hailed Iran's resistance as a victory and dismissed US claims about the destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities, while also accusing President Donald Trump of exaggerating the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump had both alluded to the possibility of regime change during the conflict, underscoring the high stakes involved.