Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei says Israel launched the war to overthrow him
'The calculation and plan of the aggressors was to weaken the system by targeting certain figures and sensitive centres in Iran,' Khamenei said, further claiming that the attacks were designed to 'stir' the masses, and 'bring people into the streets, and overthrow the system.'
The 86-year-old said that the attack's purpose failed, stating 'God Almighty nullified their scheme ... He brought the people into the field in support of the government and the system," reports Times of Israel.
Israel however, has denied that it has any interest in a regime change, stating that the destruction of Iran's nuclear programme was its only interest, claiming that they deliberately 'spared' political leaders, and repeatedly have said that if they wanted, they could have killed Khamenei whenever they wanted.
While Iran has claimed that its nuclear programme is not intended for weaponisation and is only meant for peaceful uses, international observers such as the IAEA, NSG, WNA, and military observations from different countries have said that the uranium enrichment levels are far above anything needed for any civilian use, though still below what is needed for a nuclear bomb.
Stating that Tehran stands ready to deal with any renewed military aggression, Khamenei said that the Islamic Republic is still open to dialogue regarding its nuclear programme. UNI ANV SSP
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