Israel Warns Of Assassination Of Khamenei’s Successor As Tehran Holds Farewell Ceremony
The Iran–Israel war entered its fifth day on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with tensions escalating sharply across West Asia following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
In a dramatic escalation, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that any Iranian leader chosen to succeed Khamenei would be a “target for assassination.”
Speaking amid continued missile exchanges, Israel Katz declared that any successor appointed by Iran’s leadership who continues what he described as a campaign against Israel and its allies would face direct consequences.
“Any leader selected by the Iranian regime to continue the plan for Israel’s destruction… will be a certain target for assassination,” Katz said in a statement posted on social media.
כל מנהיג שימונה ע”י משטר הטרור האיראני כדי להמשיך ולהוביל את התוכנית להשמדת ישראל, לאיים על ארה”ב והעולם החופשי ומדינות האזור, ולדכא את העם האירני – יהיה יעד חד משמעי לחיסול.
לא חשוב מה שמו והמקום בו יסתתר.
רה”מ ואני הנחינו את צה”ל להיערך ולפעול בכל האמצעים למימוש המשימה כחלק…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) March 4, 2026
The statement marks one of the strongest direct threats issued by Israel against Iran’s top political leadership and signals that the conflict could intensify further in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Iran began a three-day farewell ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. According to Iranian state media, the public is being allowed to pay their respects at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall in the capital.
Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, said the funeral procession details would be announced later. Large crowds are expected as the country mourns the leader who had been at the helm of the Islamic Republic for decades.
Khamenei’s death has created a significant political vacuum in Iran at a time of war, raising questions about succession and regional stability.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they launched more than 40 missiles targeting U.S. and Israeli positions as part of what they called the 17th wave of “Operation Honest Promise 4.”
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The strikes reportedly targeted military and strategic sites across the region.
Israel, in turn, said it carried out fresh airstrikes across Tehran, hitting what it described as Iranian security command centres, including internal security and paramilitary facilities.
The conflict has also spilt into Lebanon. An airstrike reportedly hit a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut following evacuation warnings from the Israeli military. Lebanese media reported casualties and damage to residential areas.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that they have “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit chokepoint. The closure or disruption of this passage has already sent global energy prices soaring.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy is prepared to escort oil tankers through the Strait if necessary, arguing that the strikes on Iran were preemptive and intended to prevent a planned Iranian attack.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments, and any prolonged disruption could severely impact global markets.
Beyond oil, the war is now affecting global supply chains. Ocean freight and air cargo routes through West Asia have been disrupted, impacting shipments of pharmaceuticals from India, semiconductors from Asia, and fertilisers derived from oil-based products in the Gulf region.
Airline ticket prices on Asia–Europe routes have surged due to Gulf airport closures and airspace restrictions. Several carriers have suspended or rerouted flights, causing delays and cancellations.
Amid the escalating crisis, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has established a control room to assist Indian nationals in West Asia and the Gulf region.
The government said it is closely monitoring developments and has activated safety mechanisms for Indian seafarers and maritime assets.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that precautionary coordination systems are in place to ensure the safety of Indian maritime interests.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed serious concern over the escalation, calling on all countries to respect international law and the United Nations Charter.
At the United Nations, tensions were evident as Russia and China reportedly objected to elements of the U.S. Security Council presidency’s programme of work related to Iran, highlighting deepening geopolitical divisions.
Meanwhile, protests were reported in parts of Kashmir against Khamenei’s killing, prompting authorities to impose restrictions and shut educational institutions temporarily.
In Kuwait, authorities reported that an 11-year-old girl was killed by falling shrapnel during missile exchanges across the Gulf region, underscoring the civilian toll of the conflict.
A drone was also reportedly shot down near Baghdad International Airport, marking another flashpoint in the expanding theatre of tensions.
(With inputs from agencies)
