Israel Says Khamenei Risks Saddam Hussein’s Fate As Strikes On ‘Significant’ Tehran Targets Loom

Last Updated:June 17, 2025, 17:52 IST

Israel began launching strikes across Iran on Friday, stating that the operations aim to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon

A man looks at flames rising from an oil storage facility after it appeared to have been struck by an Israeli strike in Tehran. (AP photo)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday said that the Israeli military will strike “significant targets" in Tehran later today as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise.

The ongoing conflict escalated late last week after Israel launched strikes across Iran on Friday, claiming the operations were aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — an allegation Iran firmly denies. In response, Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory, further intensifying tensions between the two nations.

“Today we are about to strike very significant targets — strategic, governmental, and infrastructure — inside Tehran," Katz said in a statement. “The IDF spokesman will issue an evacuation call in Persian."

Katz also suggested that Israel is preparing to target key nuclear sites in and around Tehran. “There are over 10 nuclear targets in the Tehran area. We are on the verge of destroying them. Fordow is also a matter that will certainly be addressed," he added, referring to Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility.

Khamenei Could Face Same Fate As Saddam Hussein

During a meeting with Israeli military and security service commanders earlier today, Katz issued a direct warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting he could meet a fate “similar to" that of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, who was toppled and later executed.

“I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and launch missiles toward Israeli civilians," Katz was quoted as saying.

“He should remember what happened to the dictator in the neighbouring country to Iran who took the same path against Israel."

Hussein was overthrown during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. He had launched missiles at Israel during the 1991 Gulf War and was later accused of operating a covert nuclear weapons programme.

(With inputs from agencies)

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