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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stern warning to the United States
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Middle East – Tensions in the Middle East have reached a new and dangerous height after Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed that eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is now a key war objective following a deadly missile barrage launched by Tehran.
“Iran has crossed all red lines. Eliminating Khamenei is now one of our war goals,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated during an emergency briefing. His statement came hours after Iranian missiles struck multiple sites across central and southern Israel, including Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, causing significant structural damage and prompting evacuations.
In a retaliatory move, Israeli forces targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water nuclear reactor in a precision strike, further escalating hostilities between the long-time adversaries.
The situation has drawn international alarm, with U.S. President Donald Trump stating that Washington is still weighing options regarding direct military intervention. “We’re monitoring the situation closely. Any decisions regarding U.S. military action will be made with caution and in America’s best interest,” Trump told reporters from the White House lawn.
Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stern warning to the United States, saying that any attack on Iranian soil would provoke "serious and irreparable consequences."
The Iranian strike on Israel has so far claimed at least 24 lives, according to Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, retaliatory Israeli air raids on Iran have reportedly left more than 240 dead, including 70 women and children, according to Iranian state media.
Mounting civilian casualties in Gaza
As tensions between Israel and Iran boil, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise. At least 69 people were killed in the last 24 hours alone in Israeli airstrikes, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Another 221 people were wounded during the same period.
Since the war began in October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has soared to 55,706, with over 130,101 people wounded. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that the enclave’s health system is on the brink of collapse and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Global reactions
The United Nations has convened an emergency Security Council meeting, while countries like Russia, China, and France have called for restraint. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to halt their military actions and return to diplomatic dialogue, warning that “the region is teetering on the edge of a catastrophic war.” As Israel and Iran exchange fire and rhetoric, civilians across the region are bearing the brunt of a conflict with no end in sight.
Torch Media Africa
