Israel defence minister issues threat to Iran’s new supreme leader

New Delhi : Tensions in West Asia have escalated further after Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz publicly threatened Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader following the reported death of Ali Khamenei.

After Khamenei’s demise in a joint US-Israel strike on February 28, Iran named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor. The decision, reportedly influenced by pressure from the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has triggered sharp reactions from Israel.

Open warning on social media

In a strongly worded post on social media, Israel Katz warned that any leader appointed by what he described as Iran’s “terror regime” would become a direct target.

“Any leader who continues the plan to destroy Israel, threaten the United States and the free world, and oppress the Iranian people will be a target — regardless of his name or where he hides,” Katz stated, adding that elimination would be certain.

He further said that under instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had been directed to prepare to carry out the mission as part of “Operation Roar of the Aryans.” He also indicated that Israel would coordinate closely with its American partners to weaken Iran’s ruling establishment.

Leadership transition in Iran

Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for over three decades, was reportedly killed in the February 28 strikes. Iranian media reports claimed that several members of his family, including his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, were also killed. His wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, was said to have succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack.

Following his death, an interim leadership council initially assumed responsibility before Mojtaba Khamenei was formally elevated as Supreme Leader, according to reports.

Funeral arrangements underway

Iran has announced that Khamenei will be buried in the holy city of Mashhad with full state honours. Before the burial, the public will be allowed to pay their last respects in Tehran.

As per Iran’s official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), a public viewing is scheduled at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran from 10 pm local time. A three-day mourning period has been declared across the country.

With Israel issuing direct threats and Iran undergoing a sensitive leadership transition, geopolitical tensions in the region appear set to intensify in the coming days.