Israeli Defense Minister Threatens to Kill Iranian Leaders During Khamenei's Funeral

Amidst the funeral procession for Ayatollah Khamenei, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark threat, vowing to eliminate any Iranian leader who attempts to harm Israel. This aggressive stance follows previous claims by Israel that it had targeted the late Iranian supreme leader.

Katz asserted that Israel had killed Khamenei due to accusations of him leading a "plan to destroy" Israel. He reiterated his threat to "annihilate" any Iranian leader who pursues such actions, according to Israeli Channel 13. Katz stated that Israel is perpetually prepared to defend itself against any threat.

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will annihilate any Iranian leader who attempts to push for such actions

Earlier, Katz had declared that Khamenei's son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, had been "targeted for assassination," a statement that provoked strong condemnation from Tehran. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that U.S. President Donald Trump had "committed to silencing America's 'pets' in Tel Aviv." He added, "Any threat to our people and leadership will be met with an immediate and firm response."

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has committed to silencing America's 'pets' in Tel Aviv. Any threat to our people and leadership will be met with an immediate and firm response.

Mohammad Eslami, a researcher at Tehran University, suggested that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, might be unable to attend his father's funeral due to the ongoing "war." He noted a "very fragile ceasefire" between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, with difficult negotiations underway. Eslami indicated that current security arrangements make public appearances unlikely for Mojtaba Khamenei.

Eslami further told Al Jazeera that Iranian leaders are formulating a new strategy for the Middle East, encompassing the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. He observed a shift in Iran's approach, moving from "resistance" to an emphasis on "dominance," signaling a newfound confidence. Supporting Hezbollah and defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression remains a top priority for Iran.

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The war has not ended. There is a very fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States and Israel. Right now, they are discussing topics that are very difficult to negotiate. Given the existing security arrangements, there is practically no chance for him to appear in public.