Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised international diplomacy when he claimed that assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could halt rather than worsen the two nations’ escalating conflict.
In an exclusive interview with ABC News on June 16, Netanyahu dismissed concerns that such a bold move may spark a regional confrontation, saying it would be a resounding blow to Iran’s “campaign of aggression.”
Declaring emphatically, “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” Netanyahu charged Iran with moving the world closer to a nuclear meltdown.
A Tipping Point in Middle East Hostilities
Netanyahu’s explosive remarks come amid the most intense Israel-Iran clashes in recent memory. On Monday, Israeli forces struck Iran’s state-run television station during a live broadcast. The attack followed a barrage of Iranian missiles that killed at least eight in Israel and wounded many more.
Video footage showed an Iranian journalist fleeing the camera as a blast interrupted live programming. Israeli officials claimed the strike targeted facilities doubling as military command posts.
Israel’s Military Claims: “Full Control of Tehran’s Skies”
According to Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Israel has now achieved “full aerial superiority over Tehran”, disabling over 120 Iranian missile launchers and downing two Iranian F-14 jets.
In addition, 10 Quds Force command centers were destroyed in a series of surgical strikes, which Israel called a “deep and comprehensive blow to the Iranian threat.”
Iran Vows Vengeance, Civilian Toll Climbs
Iran has retaliated fiercely, launching over 100 missiles targeting major Israeli cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva. A missile strike near the U.S. consulate in Tel Aviv damaged infrastructure but spared American personnel.
Iranian casualties have now reached at least 224, with human rights groups estimating over 400 fatalities—nearly half believed to be civilians. In Israel, the civilian death toll stands at 24, with more than 500 injured.
Nuclear Tensions and Regime Fragility
Netanyahu maintained that Israel is not pursuing regime change but warned that the Iranian leadership may collapse under the pressure of sustained military strikes.
“The regime is very weak,” he noted, adding that Israel’s recent operations have “set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back a very, very long time.”
The Israeli leader also mentioned ongoing contact with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, according to reports, had previously rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate Khamenei over fears of triggering war.
World on Edge
With airstrikes, missile barrages, and mounting civilian deaths, global leaders are calling for immediate de-escalation. Yet, with no diplomatic communication underway, the path to peace remains clouded.
This war of words—and weapons—has thrust the Middle East into a dangerous new phase. Whether Netanyahu’s bold assertions turn prophetic or catastrophic remains to be seen.
