In a high-stakes interview with ABC News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is not ruling out targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, claiming such an action would end the conflict, not escalate it.

Axar.az, citing ABC News, reports that in responding to reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously rejected such a plan, Netanyahu asserted that Iran’s leadership is dragging the region to the brink of nuclear war, and Israel is acting to stop it.

Netanyahu said Israel has already targeted Iranian nuclear scientists, calling them “Hitler’s nuclear team,” and emphasized that Israel’s actions are in defense of the broader world, not just itself. He dismissed Iranian diplomatic overtures as deceptive, insisting Tehran is using negotiations as a cover to expand its nuclear and missile programs.

He also strongly criticized U.S. voices opposing support for Israel, including Tucker Carlson, warning that Iran poses a threat to the entire world, not just Israel. Netanyahu praised U.S. military aid, especially in missile defense, and reiterated appreciation for Trump’s support, but left open the possibility of divergence over specific targets like Khamenei.

Meanwhile, Iran’s death toll rose to 224, and Israel reported 24 deaths and nearly 600 injuries amid the escalating conflict. Planned nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman have been suspended. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of complicity in Israel’s strikes and urged international condemnation, warning of global consequences if such actions go unchecked.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News on Monday that targeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would end, not escalate, the ongoing fight between Israel and Iran that erupted late last week. https://t.co/aDSqoLwdtt

— ABC News (@ABC) June 17, 2025