Iran’s Sharp Reaction to Israeli Threats Against Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei

Unprecedented Tension Following Direct Threat to Iran’s Leadership

Relations between Tehran and Tel Aviv reached a boiling point in early July 2026. Israel Katz, the war minister of the Zionist regime, claimed during a press briefing with military reporters that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, is on the regime's assassination list [1]. These remarks, made amidst sensitive peace negotiations in Doha, have sparked a wave of anger and sharp reactions within Iranian political and military circles. Katz claimed that the Israeli military is prepared for “independent” strikes against strategic targets in Iran [3].

Abbas Araghchi’s Sharp Reaction and the Islamabad Agreement Reminder

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, responded to Katz’s remarks in a blunt and direct post on the X social network. Referring to the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” signed on June 18, 2026, between Iran and the government of Donald Trump, he emphasized that Washington is committed to preventing Israeli adventures [2]. Araghchi wrote in this message: “The terms of the Islamabad Agreement are perfectly clear. The US President has committed to muzzling his pets in Tel Aviv. If they choose to ignore their master, Iran will teach them a hard lesson” [4]. He warned that any threat against the Iranian people and leadership would be met with an “immediate and powerful” response [3].

Iran’s Diplomatic Action at the United Nations

Simultaneously with domestic reactions, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, described the Israeli officials' statements as a clear example of “state terrorism” in an official letter to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council [5]. The letter emphasized that threatening to assassinate senior officials of a UN member state is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international agreements. Iran specified in this correspondence that the responsibility for any consequences arising from this rhetoric will lie with the Zionist regime and its primary supporter, the United States [5].

Shadow of Threat Over Doha Negotiations and Strait of Hormuz Security

These tensions occur while technical teams from Iran and the US are consulting in Doha, Qatar, to stabilize a ceasefire and fully reopen trade routes [4]. Despite a temporary agreement for a one-week de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz for the July 4th holiday in the US and religious ceremonies in Iran, recent Israeli rhetoric has endangered this fragile stability [4]. Iranian military officials have warned that any miscalculation by Tel Aviv will halt the negotiation process and push the region toward a comprehensive confrontation [2].