U.S. Blames Israeli Operation For Khamenei’s Death, Calls Off Regime Change Talk

The United States government has rejected claims that it was involved in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a deadly strike carried out over the weekend.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee, senior Pentagon official Elbridge Colby stated that the operation which resulted in Khamenei’s death was conducted by Israel and had no connection to any U.S. military mission.

He clarified that the strike was an Israeli action and not part of Washington’s ongoing activities in the region.

Colby made the clarification while responding to questions from lawmakers seeking to know whether the United States was pursuing regime change in Iran. He firmly stated that overthrowing Iran’s leadership is not an American objective.

According to him, the United States remains focused on curbing Iran’s expanding missile programme, its capacity to manufacture weapons, and aspects of its naval power, which he described as defined and attainable military targets.

“Those are Israeli operations. Our focus is on Iran’s missile capabilities, their increasing weapons production capacity, and elements of their navy. These are realistic and achievable targets,” Colby said.

His remarks appeared to contrast with earlier statements by President Donald Trump, who had suggested that Khamenei was within the reach of U.S. intelligence and surveillance systems. Trump had also highlighted strong coordination between the United States and Israel, noting that Iran’s leadership was facing mounting pressure from joint efforts.

Despite those earlier comments, Colby maintained that responsibility for the strike that killed Khamenei and several senior Iranian figures rests solely with Israel.

The attack reportedly claimed the lives of Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law. The Israeli military also confirmed the death of Ali Shamkhani, described as a close adviser to the late Iranian leader.

Additionally, General Mohammad Pakpour, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was said to have been killed in the same series of strikes.

U.S. officials further revealed that more than 49 senior members of Iran’s military leadership have been eliminated since the operations commenced.