Israel Defense Minister Warns Iran's Khamenei Faces Saddam-Like Fate Amid Escalating Strikes

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, threatening him with a fate similar to Saddam Hussein's if Iran continues attacks against Israeli civilians, following recent Israeli strikes on Tehran targets. Khamenei, who has held power for nearly four decades, faces increasing challenges to his authority amid military setbacks and internal strains within Iran’s ideological foundations, with his leadership style rooted in consolidating power rather than religious charisma. The recent intensification of conflict between Israel and Iran marks a significant escalation, with Iran responding to Israeli attacks on its nuclear and military infrastructure by launching missile and drone barrages, highlighting vulnerabilities in Iran’s defense and governance systems. National security experts, including Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute, argue that Khamenei poses an acute threat due to Iran’s substantial enriched uranium stockpiles and potential use of dirty bombs, urging U.S. support for decisive action against him despite reported opposition from President Trump to assassination plans. The shadow war between Israel and Iran reveals a deeper ideological crisis in Iran’s regime, as the revolutionary generation fades and the sustainability of Khamenei’s theocratic rule is increasingly questioned. Observers also draw historical parallels between Khamenei’s threats and past totalitarian leaders, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to prevent catastrophic outcomes.