Iran Warns of World War 3

Tehran: An Iranian official has issued a grave warning that any assassination attempt on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would ignite a global crisis, potentially triggering World War 3. The statement comes days after Israeli defense officials claimed they considered targeting Khamenei during the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair

Hassan Rahimpour Azghadi, a member of Iran’s Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, warned during a televised address on Sunday that, “An assassination of Iran’s leader would ignite the region and trigger a wave of global assassinations, including inside the United States itself.” He went on to describe such an attempt as “the greatest mistake of the century.”

Azghadi’s comments, widely reported by RT World and other outlets, follow a statement by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who revealed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had considered eliminating Khamenei during the intense 12-day conflict. “We would have taken him out but didn’t get the operational opportunity,” Katz said, adding that Israel “does not need U.S. approval” for such operations.

June Conflict: Operation Rising Lion vs. Operation True Promise 3

The deadly conflict that unfolded between June 13 and June 24, 2025, was one of the most destructive episodes in recent Middle East history. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a massive air campaign targeting Iranian nuclear, military, and intelligence infrastructure. Iran responded with Operation True Promise 3, firing more than 550 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones at Israeli targets.

Casualties and Destruction

• Iran:

  • Deaths: 606

  • Injuries: 5,332

  • Infrastructure: Several hospitals, ambulances, and clinics were damaged. Emergency services remain operational under extreme pressure.

• Israel:

  • Deaths: 28 (confirmed by Magen David Adom)

  • Injuries: Over 900, including 17 critically injured

  • Economic loss: Estimated at $1.2 to $1.35 billion

  • Displacement: Over 9,000 people rendered homeless; 39,000+ property loss claims filed

High-Profile Targeted Killings

Among the Iranian dead were 14 top nuclear scientists, including Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, sanctioned by the U.S. for his role in uranium enrichment. State funerals for the slain scientists and IRGC commanders, including Hossein Salami, are scheduled across Iran.

Israel accused the group of advancing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and justified the airstrikes on nuclear sites as a preemptive strike to contain Iran’s growing threat.

Final Strikes and Ceasefire

The conflict ended after U.S.-led airstrikes destroyed parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in a covert operation called Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan sites.

In retaliation, Iran launched Operation Annunciation of Victory, targeting the U.S.-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. No casualties were reported.

Hours before the ceasefire, Iran launched over a dozen missiles into Israeli territory, intensifying regional tensions.

Global Reaction

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the escalation and warned both Iran and Israel against further military action. He urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to de-escalate, calling for restraint and dialogue amid growing fears of a broader war in the region.

With tensions still simmering, Iran’s latest warning underscores the volatility of the region and the potentially catastrophic consequences of any attempt on Ayatollah Khamenei’s life.

Also Read: Israel Strikes Houthi Ports in Yemen

(With inputs from agencies)

This article is published by Crime Today News ©