Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Monday that any Iranian leader who attempts to revive plans for Israel’s destruction will meet the same fate as slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Khamenei initiated and led the plan to destroy Israel in Iran and across the region,” Katz said as a vast funeral procession moved through Tehran. “The destroyer has been destroyed.”
His message to the regime’s remaining leadership was equally direct: Israel will not permit a successor to rebuild the machinery of annihilation under new management.
“Death to America and Israel” chants heard again in Tehran this morning, during Khamenei’s funeral events. pic.twitter.com/RqFSGMsxLc
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 6, 2026
Khamenei was killed on Feb. 28 during the opening phase of a joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Israeli officials have said the operation removed an immediate strategic threat and inflicted severe damage on the Islamic Republic’s military capabilities.
Katz said the anti-American chants and threats heard during the funeral exposed the character of the regime beneath its periodic displays of diplomatic moderation. He credited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump with leading the campaign, while stressing that Israel remains prepared to act independently against any renewed threat.
Calls to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump were heard before tens of thousands attending funeral events for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as one speaker declared, “Why should we not kill the man who killed my imam?” before adding, “Trump’s assassination is our… pic.twitter.com/FUa0gAeHjZ
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 5, 2026
Iranian authorities launched Monday’s procession as part of week-long burial ceremonies intended to project continuity and defiance. Khamenei’s coffin was carried through Tehran toward Mehrabad International Airport, with the journey expected to last up to 12 hours. His burial is scheduled for Thursday at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad.
Regime supporters lined the route carrying red flags and calling for revenge against Trump and Netanyahu.
Noticeably absent was Mojtaba Khamenei, the late ruler’s son and successor. He has not appeared publicly since reportedly being wounded in the strike that killed his father, amid concerns that Israel could locate and target him. Three of his brothers attended the ceremonies instead.
The regime is attempting to turn a funeral into a demonstration of strength. Israel has responded by reminding the ayatollahs that slogans do not restore destroyed capabilities, and succession certainly does not provide them immunity.
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