Tel Aviv, June 15 (V7N) — Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, a senior Israeli political source has hinted at the possibility of targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The official, speaking to the Wall Street Journal, said the possibility of assassinating Khamenei cannot be ruled out, although such an operation would depend on “many factors.”

The remarks, reported by The Times of Israel on Sunday (June 15), come in the wake of intense Israeli military operations against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

“We are already attacking Iran’s nuclear and military installations,” the Israeli source reportedly said. “If Iran voluntarily stops its nuclear program, this war will stop. Otherwise, nothing is off the table.”

According to military reports, Israel has conducted around 70 airstrikes on more than 40 military targets inside Iran in the past two days. The attacks have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people, including:

  • Top IRGC officials

  • High-ranking Air Force and Aerospace Force commanders

  • Nuclear scientists

  • Soldiers and security personnel

These targeted strikes mark one of the largest escalations between the two nations in recent years.

In response, Iran launched a wave of counterattacks, including missile strikes on multiple key Israeli installations late Saturday night. Seven Iranians, including several soldiers, were reportedly killed in the Israeli strikes, while at least 50 others were injured in the retaliatory attacks.

The conflict between the two regional powers has escalated rapidly, pushing the broader Middle East into deeper uncertainty. While previous confrontations between Israel and Iran have largely been proxy wars fought through militias and cyberattacks, the direct military confrontation signals a dangerous shift.

The mention of a potential assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei represents a significant escalation in rhetoric and risks provoking a full-scale regional conflict. Iran has not yet officially responded to the Israeli official’s statement about Khamenei.

With both nations showing no sign of backing down, international observers warn that the situation could spiral into a broader war unless diplomatic efforts intervene swiftly.

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