Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday there is growing evidence that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli operation, signalling a sharp escalation in the region.

Speaking in a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said the attacks had targeted Khamenei’s compound. "There are growing signs that Khamenei is no longer around," he said. The Iranian leader has not been seen in public since the operation began.

Strikes reportedly hit top Iranian officials

Netanyahu claimed the strikes also killed commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and senior nuclear officials. He described the operations as part of Israel’s efforts to reshape the Middle East through military action.

The Prime Minister highlighted the strategic significance of the attacks, emphasising that they focused on Iran’s highest echelons of power.

Message to Iranian citizens amid rising tensions

In his address, Netanyahu spoke directly to the Iranian people, urging them not to miss what he described as an opportunity to challenge and overturn their government.

These remarks come amid sharply rising tensions between Israel and Iran, underlining the growing regional impact of the conflict.