Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday warned of an immediate and powerful response after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was “marked for death.” The exchange came as the United States continues diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. The remarks underscored the fragile security situation despite ongoing negotiations.
In a post on X, Araghchi said any threat against Iran’s people or leadership would trigger a swift response. He also referred to what he described as US commitments under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and urged Washington to restrain Israel. His statement was published alongside reported comments made by Katz.
Speaking at a memorial ceremony, Katz said Israel could launch further strikes against Iran if it considered them necessary. He said Israeli forces had already carried out two preemptive attacks and could strike again. Katz also said Israeli troops would remain in what he described as security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
Meanwhile, former Israeli military chief and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of exaggerating Iran’s nuclear capabilities. According to Israeli media, Eisenkot said Netanyahu’s recent claims that Iran possessed nuclear bombs were false. No international body has confirmed that Iran possesses nuclear weapons, while Tehran continues to insist its nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.
The latest exchange of rhetoric comes as indirect US-Iran talks continue alongside broader efforts to ease regional tensions. Washington and Israel maintain that Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes threaten regional security. Iran rejects those accusations, while Israel has never officially acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons.