Israel Vows to Eliminate Any New Iranian Leader as Succession Looms

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning, declaring that any new leader appointed by Iran will become an "unconditional target for elimination" by the Israeli military.

In a post on social media platform X, Katz stated: "Any leader appointed by the Iranian regime to continue the plan to destroy Israel, threaten the United States, the free world and countries in the region, and oppress the Iranian people will be an unconditional target for elimination. It doesn't matter what his name is or where he hides."

"Any leader appointed by the Iranian regime... Will be an unconditional target for elimination. It doesn't matter what his name is or where he hides."

The Defense Minister added that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the army to prepare and take all necessary measures to carry out this mission.

The threat comes amid reports from regional media that Iran's Assembly of Experts, under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has selected Mojtaba Khamenei—the son of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—as the country's next supreme leader. This follows official announcements from Iran on March 1 confirming the death of Ali Khamenei.

The escalating rhetoric is set against a backdrop of intensified military action. On February 28, a large-scale US-Israeli military operation against Iran commenced. Israeli officials stated the goal of the strikes was to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump declared an intent to destroy Iran's navy and defense industry and called on Iranian citizens to overthrow their government. He also commented on how long the US military operation might last.

Reports indicate missiles are striking not only military targets but also civilian infrastructure in Iran and other regional countries. In response, Tehran has launched attacks against Israeli territory and American bases in the Middle East.

Following a closed-door briefing with US officials, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal suggested a potential US ground operation in Iran is being considered. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry has released a statement regarding the situation around Iran.