Israeli officials declare they will pursue Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and force his submission, extending their campaign against the regime’s leadership.
Defense Minister Issues Stark Warning
Israel has extended ceasefire proposals to key Iranian figures, including Ali Larijani, the 68-year-old secretary general of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and commanders in the Golan Heights region. Officials confirm intentions to propose similar terms even to Mojtaba Khamenei, amid ongoing military actions.
On March 17 (local time), Defense Minister Efi Defrin stated during a government meeting, “This mirrors previous efforts, with operations targeting the regime’s core foundations.” He emphasized the continuity of Israel’s strategy against Iran’s power structure.
Defrin asserted, “Mojtaba Khamenei’s influence amounts to nothing. His objectives and location remain hidden.” He added, “Hawkish rhetoric has room to escalate. Having already infiltrated, Israel faces threats or major disruptions unless it acts decisively first.”
Targeting the New Leader
The minister reinforced, “His location lies within the country, not abroad.” Israel aims to neutralize him and cripple national capabilities, according to the remarks.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership following a U.S.-Israel joint operation on January 28 that targeted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, resulting in hostages taken during the raid. Despite this, no releases have occurred. An initial public address aired on state TV on January 12 served primarily as unsubstantiated propaganda, sources indicate.
Recent imagery shows Mojtaba convening with Houthi leaders in Sana’a, Yemen, on March 13 (local time), highlighting continued regional alliances amid escalating tensions.
