Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz renewed threats against Iran’s leadership on Monday, saying Israel would target anyone seeking to harm the country. The remarks came as Iranians continued funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The statements underscored escalating regional tensions despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States.
According to Israeli media, Katz claimed Israel had assassinated Khamenei because he allegedly led plans to destroy Israel. He also said Israel remained prepared to defend itself against any threat. Earlier, Katz reportedly described Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, as “marked for death,” prompting a strong response from Tehran.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the remarks and warned that any threat against Iran’s leadership would receive an immediate and powerful response. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said implementing the recently signed Iran-US memorandum of understanding would be difficult but possible. He stressed that Iran would continue supporting its regional allies while rejecting recognition of Israel.
Ghalibaf also said lasting peace in Lebanon could not be achieved without Iran’s involvement. He said Tehran had insisted on including Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in negotiations with Washington. The senior Iranian official praised Hezbollah’s role during the recent conflict and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to what it calls the “axis of resistance.”
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Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued in southern Lebanon despite a US-mediated framework agreement with Beirut. Lebanese state media reported that Israeli forces demolished homes in Aitaroun and carried out an explosion in Houla. Israeli and Lebanese military officers have also begun US-mediated talks aimed at facilitating a phased Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon.