A conservative Iranian newspaper known for its hardline views has published a hit-list of foreign leaders it says should be targeted in revenge for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei was killed on 28th February during US-Israeli strikes on the first day of the Middle East war. Since then, his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has repeatedly vowed that those responsible would face consequences.
In his first public message since his father’s funeral earlier this week, Mojtaba said, “Vengeance is the will of our nation and must inevitably be carried out.” He added, “These criminals, whose names appear on a list, will take to their graves the wish of a peaceful death in their beds.”
World leaders featured in an online graphic
Shortly after the statement, the Tehran-based Hamshahri newspaper published an online infographic carrying photographs of 13 foreign leaders alongside Mojtaba Khamenei’s remarks.
The list included US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Other leaders featured were US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
ANOTHER CREEPY K*LL LIST: IRANIAN MEDIA PUBLISHES HIT LIST OF WESTERN & ISRAELI LEADERS
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) July 11, 2026
Iranian state-affiliated media published a hit list under the headline “Revenge Is Certain,” naming Israeli, American, and European leaders it claims are responsible for the killing of… pic.twitter.com/BMCtgFvWf1
However, there has been no indication that the list was officially approved by the Iranian government or endorsed by Tehran. Mojtaba Khamenei himself did not reveal any names while referring to the “criminals” responsible for his father’s death.
Interestingly, the infographic appeared only online and was not included in the newspaper’s printed Sunday edition.
Reports of plot against Trump
The development came as several American media organisations reported that Iran had allegedly discussed plans to assassinate Donald Trump.
According to reports, Israel shared intelligence with Washington regarding a “specific” threat against the US president. Some reports suggested this may have influenced Trump’s decision to change aircraft while returning from the NATO summit in Turkey.
CNN reported that US intelligence agencies had been monitoring a “steady drumbeat” of threats against Trump, but said the warning from Israel involved a more specific plot.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “They want to take out the US leader – me. I’m on whatever list. I saw this morning I’m on every single one of their lists.”
Meanwhile, fighting in the region continued on Sunday, 12th July, raising fresh doubts about the chances of a long-term peace agreement.
The United States carried out strikes on around 140 targets after attacks on commercial ships in the area, further increasing tensions across the Middle East.
