Iran Accuses US & Israel of Plot to Assassinate Supreme Leader Khamenei & Destabilize Nation Amidst Tensions

Iran Accuses US and Israel of Plotting to Assassinate Supreme Leader Khamenei and Destabilize Nation

Iran's intelligence ministry has issued a grave warning, alleging that foreign adversaries, specifically the United States and Israel, are actively conspiring to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and undermine the stability of the Islamic Republic. This serious accusation was delivered by intelligence minister Esmail Khatib, as reported by Iran’s ISNA news agency on Saturday, citing AFP.

Direct Threats and Foreign Interference Allegations

Khatib explicitly stated, "the enemy seeks to target the supreme leader, sometimes with assassination attempts, sometimes with hostile attacks." While officials in Tehran frequently voice suspicions of foreign interference, direct public statements concerning specific threats to Khamenei's life have been uncommon, particularly before the intense 12-day Iran-Israel conflict in June.

The minister further cautioned against unwitting collaborators, labeling "those who act in this direction, knowingly or unknowingly," as "infiltrating agents of the enemy," directly naming Israel and the US. The June conflict saw Israel launch strikes against senior Iranian military figures, nuclear scientists, critical sites, and residential areas, with the US later joining in attacks on nuclear facilities.

Past Controversies and External Reactions

During that period, reports emerged suggesting that then-US President Donald Trump had intervened to block an Israeli proposal to assassinate Khamenei, reportedly due to concerns about escalation. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed these specific reports, he did remark that such an action would "end the conflict." Trump himself had publicly referred to Khamenei as a "very easy target," stating, "we are not going to take him out, at least not for now," later claiming on Truth Social that he had saved the Iranian leader from "A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH."

Internal Concerns and Ongoing Tensions

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86 and in power since 1989, maintains ultimate authority over all state affairs in Iran. Concerns for his safety during the recent conflict were also voiced internally; Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed fears that the country’s institutions "would start fighting among each other" if the Supreme Leader were harmed. Khamenei himself alleged in July that Israeli strikes were designed to weaken Iran, incite "unrest and bringing people into the streets to overthrow the system."

A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in effect since June 24. However, both Washington and Tel Aviv have issued stern warnings of potential renewed military action should Tehran decide to reactivate its nuclear program.