Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a potential operation targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader would "end the conflict" rather than escalate it, framing the strategy as a path to resolution rather than provocation.
Speaking to ABC News anchor Jonathan Karl in an exclusive interview, Netanyahu commented on reports that Israel had considered a plan to strike Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. officials told Reuters that President Donald Trump had rejected the proposal, citing concerns it could intensify the conflict.
Netanyahu disagreed. "It's not going to escalate the conflict. It's going to end the conflict," he said.
Earlier in the interview, the Israeli leader criticised previous diplomatic efforts with Iran, claiming they were undermined by Tehran’s continued hostility.
"We gave it a chance. We clenched our teeth," Netanyahu said.
"But even during negotiations with the United States, Iran's supreme leader tweeted 'death to Israel' almost every day. The talks were merely a facade."
When asked directly whether Israel was planning to target Khamenei, Netanyahu declined to confirm details.
"Look, we're doing what we need to do. I'm not going to get into the details."
The interview comes in the wake of Israel’s 13 June operation, which reportedly targeted senior Iranian military figures and nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with a series of missile attacks, marking one of the most intense escalations between the two countries in years.
The U.S. administration has called for restraint while reaffirming its support for Israel’s security. Trump’s decision to block the reported operation against Khamenei reflects an effort to prevent broader regional destabilisation.
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told four European counterparts that Iran was serious about diplomacy but its current focus was on confronting aggression, Iranian state media reported. Israel has said its goal is to eliminate Tehran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has pointed to its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to press Trump to use his influence on Netanyahu to push for an immediate ceasefire.
In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, said the two Iranian and three regional sources.
Tehran says more than 224 Iranians have been killed since Friday (13 June), most of them civilians. Israel says 24 people have been killed, all of them civilians.
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