Khamenei ‘not off limits’: Israel ups the ante; Iran conflict enters new phase as strikes continue

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (File photograph)

A senior Israeli official has indicated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei might change into a direct goal, as Israel intensifies its marketing campaign in opposition to Iranian nuclear and army infrastructure.In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the unnamed official stated assassination of Iran’s high chief is “not off limits,” underlining a dramatic escalation in Israel’s strategic posture. The assertion indicators a shift from solely focusing on Iran’s nuclear program to doubtlessly dismantling the regime’s management construction.The official claimed that Israel’s current strikes have already inflicted substantial injury, together with at the closely fortified Natanz enrichment facility, the place structural collapse was reported. Israel has additionally taken duty for the assassinations of 9 nuclear scientists and a number of other high-ranking army officers in current months.Additional strikes are anticipated quickly, as a part of the ongoing Israeli offensive identified as ‘Operation Rising Lion’. Meanwhile, Iran’s counter-offensive, ‘Operation True Promise III’ entered a new phase on Saturday with one other wave of missile assaults launched towards Israeli territory.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the assault, stating: “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.” Sirens sounded throughout main cities, together with Tel Aviv, as authorities activated emergency protocols.In response, Israeli warplanes struck targets in Tehran in a single day, additional intensifying a quickly escalating confrontation that threatens to engulf the area.Addressing the nation earlier, Supreme Leader Khamenei vowed retribution: “We will not permit them to evade consequences for this significant wrongdoing they have perpetrated,” he stated in a televised speech.The escalating trade has raised international issues, notably over the potential focusing on of political leaders and the vulnerability of deeply buried nuclear amenities. Despite doubts about Israel’s capability to totally dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, the official insisted the present strikes had already “set back Iran’s capabilities significantly.”