Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is “increasing evidence” suggesting that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may no longer be alive, in remarks that further heighten tensions amid the escalating Iran-Israel confrontation.
Netanyahu indicated that Israeli and U.S. intelligence assessments point to developments related to Khamenei’s condition, adding that such indicators could have significant implications for the trajectory of the ongoing conflict with Iran. However, no independent confirmation has been issued regarding the Iranian leader’s status.
The comments come as Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iranian targets continue, while Tehran presses ahead with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli and American-linked sites in the region, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
In the latest developments, the Israeli military said around 200 aircraft participated in air operations targeting Iranian missile and air-defense systems, describing the campaign as the largest in the history of the Israeli Air Force. The strikes reportedly hit roughly 500 sites across Iran, including air defenses and missile launch platforms.
Israeli authorities also reported repeated air-raid sirens across the country due to continued Iranian barrages. The military said it is continuing efforts to destroy launch platforms and disrupt attacks, including strikes on operatives moments before missile launches.
Meanwhile, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir described the campaign as “decisive, critical and unprecedented,” saying previous strikes have expanded the air force’s operational freedom to conduct further waves against strategic air-defense systems.
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