Ayatollah Khamenei has threatened Israel with a strong response, while Trump has made indirect statements about a possible targeting of the Iranian leader.

Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has said that a firm response must be given to Israel, calling it a "Zionist terrorist regime". This threat came in the wake of rocket attacks launched by the Revolutionary Guard Corps on Israel. In response, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes in Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump has also suggested that Khamenei is an "easy target" and warned of possible actions against him. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that removing Khamenei could end the conflict.