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.
The U.S. is considering joining Israel’s military campaign against Iran, with President Donald Trump expected to make the final decision. CENTCOM supports involvement, but senior officials are divided on the move.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning of more strikes targeting the Iranian regime, a declaration that comes as Iran confirms the death of a prominent security and foreign policy adviser.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 14th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak by phone Friday as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, according to a White House official.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak with Israeli PM Netanyahu as Tehran prepares a counter-proposal to Washington’s nuclear offer via Oman, amid rising tensions over Gaza aid and Iran’s enrichment program.
Central banks around the world expect their gold holdings as a proportion of their reserves to increase over the next five years while expecting their dollar reserves to be lower, a survey by the World Gold Council (WGC) showed.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang on a special assignment from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to officials familiar with the matter.
A major wave of Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv early Tuesday, killing 14 people, including a U.S. citizen, and injuring dozens as the capital faced one of the largest attacks since the war began.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korea’s new president Lee Jae-myung will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the G7 summit in Canada, marking his first major diplomatic engagement.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation advisory for Iranian civilians living near weapons production sites and associated infrastructure within Iran. The message was shared on the social media platform X in both Arabic and Farsi by an official military spokesperson.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to visit China this week to strengthen trade ties and attract tourists and students, while also addressing complex security and defence issues.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang on a special assignment from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to officials familiar with the matter.
A major wave of Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv early Tuesday, killing 14 people, including a U.S. citizen, and injuring dozens as the capital faced one of the largest attacks since the war began.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korea’s new president Lee Jae-myung will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the G7 summit in Canada, marking his first major diplomatic engagement.
Central banks around the world expect their gold holdings as a proportion of their reserves to increase over the next five years while expecting their dollar reserves to be lower, a survey by the World Gold Council (WGC) showed.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang on a special assignment from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to officials familiar with the matter.
A major wave of Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv early Tuesday, killing 14 people, including a U.S. citizen, and injuring dozens as the capital faced one of the largest attacks since the war began.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korea’s new president Lee Jae-myung will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the G7 summit in Canada, marking his first major diplomatic engagement.
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