Iran’s Supreme Leader Should No Longer Remain in Power: Israeli Official
Published : 19:22, 19 June 2025
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp warning on Wednesday, declaring that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “cannot continue to exist” following a missile strike that hit Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, injuring dozens and severely damaging the facility.
Katz labeled Khamenei a “dictator… who has made the destruction of Israel his mission,” and confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have received orders aimed at neutralizing Iran’s top leadership if necessary to achieve national security objectives.
Hospital Strike Sparks Outrage
The Iranian missile barrage targeted multiple sites across Israel, injuring over 200 people, including civilians in the cities of Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv. The most severe blow came at Soroka Medical Center, where casualties included both patients and medical personnel.
Israel has condemned the attack as a war crime and cited it as justification for its subsequent military response.
Israeli Retaliation Hits Nuclear Sites
In response, Israeli air strikes reportedly targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the Arak heavy water reactor and key uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. Intelligence sources suggest the attacks were designed to disrupt potential plutonium production capabilities.
U.S. and International Response
The United States has reportedly opposed Israeli plans to assassinate Khamenei. Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated there are "no plans to remove Iran’s leader… at least not for now." The White House and Pentagon remain cautious about further escalation.
Global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have urged both nations to halt hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet with European counterparts in Geneva. The meeting will include officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the European Union's foreign policy chief. The talks aim to de-escalate tensions and prevent a broader regional war.
Analysis & Context
Source: News Desk | Agencies Cited: AP, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Times of India, NY Post
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Issue |
Details |
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Hospital Strike |
Iranian missiles hit Soroka Hospital, wounding dozens. Israel denounced the attack as a war crime and cited it as grounds to target Khamenei directly. |
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Escalation |
Marks a historic shift with Israel openly threatening a foreign head of state, coupled with direct attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. |
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Regional Risks |
Escalation risks a broader Middle East conflict, possibly involving Iraqi militias, Hezbollah, and disruptions to international maritime routes. |
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Diplomatic Channels |
European powers are facilitating urgent talks in Geneva to prevent a slide into open war, with global leaders pushing for restraint. |
Source: News Desk | Agencies Cited: AP, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Times of India, NY Post
BD/O
