Iran–Israel Conflict Escalates As IRGC Threatens To Kill Netanyahu

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to hunt down and kill Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate amid the ongoing regional confrontation.

In a statement published Sunday on Sepah News, the official website of the IRGC, the group described Netanyahu as a “child-killing criminal” and vowed to pursue him.

“If this criminal, the killer of children, is still alive, we will continue working to hunt him down and kill him with all our strength,” the statement said.

The threat comes amid intensifying hostilities in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with both sides exchanging accusations and military actions.

The statement also emerged alongside growing speculation on social media about Netanyahu’s health and whereabouts, after several online posts falsely claimed the Israeli leader had been killed in retaliation for recent military strikes.

However, Netanyahu’s office quickly dismissed the rumours as misinformation.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the Israeli prime minister’s office told Anadolu Agency in response to the circulating claims.

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The speculation intensified after a video of Netanyahu surfaced online, with some users alleging the clip showed the prime minister with “six fingers.” The claim triggered suggestions that the footage might have been generated using artificial intelligence, further fuelling uncertainty and online conspiracy theories about his condition and location.

Security analysts say such misinformation has become increasingly common during the ongoing conflict, with rival actors and online users spreading manipulated or misleading content to influence public perception.

The IRGC threat comes as the confrontation between Iran and Israel entered its 16th day, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.

The crisis intensified after United States and Israeli forces launched coordinated air strikes on Iranian territory on February 28, targeting military installations and strategic facilities believed to be linked to Iran’s defence and missile infrastructure.

Tehran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and deploying drones toward Israel, while also targeting US military bases across the Middle East, including installations in Iraq and Syria.

Iranian authorities have said the attacks were a response to what they described as “aggression against Iranian sovereignty.”

Meanwhile, Israeli officials maintain that their military actions are aimed at neutralising threats posed by Iran’s missile programme and regional military activities.

International observers have warned that the rising rhetoric and exchange of attacks could further destabilise the Middle East, with global powers closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation.

Iran–Israel Conflict Escalates As IRGC Threatens To Kill Netanyahu

Pope Leo XIV renews ceasefire call, dialogue in Middle East

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, urging warring parties to end hostilities and return to dialogue.

Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at the St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff lamented the growing human toll of the conflict, saying innocent civilians had borne the brunt of the violence.

“Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” he said.

According to him, thousands of innocent people have been killed while many others have been displaced from their homes.

“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals and residential areas,” the Pope added.

The pontiff also expressed deep concern about the situation in Lebanon, which he described as particularly troubling amid the escalating tensions in the region.

Addressing those involved in the conflict, he urged them to halt the fighting and reopen channels for dialogue.

“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict,” he said.

“Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people await.”

Iran Strikes US Forces in Saudi Arabia, Damaging Aircraft 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched a missile attack on US forces stationed at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions across the Gulf region. The strike marks a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict, following recent US and Israeli operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

The IRGC stated that the missiles targeted the base, which reportedly supports advanced US fighter jets, including F‑35 Lightning II and F‑16 Fighting Falcons, as well as fuel tankers used in military operations. Iranian state media said the attack was a retaliatory measure for prior US strikes, part of Tehran’s ongoing military response in the region.

While Saudi authorities have not confirmed any direct damage to the base, their air defence systems intercepted six ballistic missiles heading toward Al-Kharj. The kingdom, a close US ally, hosts a large number of American personnel and military facilities, and has previously intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the base.

According to reports, the missile attack damaged several US Air Force refueling aircraft parked at the Prince Sultan base, although no casualties have been confirmed. The Wall Street Journal cited US officials stating that five USAF aircraft were hit but are undergoing repairs. US President Donald Trump later clarified that most of the affected planes sustained only minor damage and have already returned to service.

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The strike is part of a broader pattern of Iranian missile and drone attacks across Gulf states, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, targeting sites hosting US or allied forces. Regional air defences have intercepted multiple aerial threats, underscoring the heightened security risks in the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia has condemned attacks by Iran, describing them as “reprehensible” violations of regional sovereignty, while emphasizing the kingdom’s right to defend strategic infrastructure. Despite repeated provocations, Riyadh has avoided large-scale direct military engagement with Tehran, focusing on air defence and cooperation with US allies.

The Prince Sultan missile attack follows a major US strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, a vital oil export hub. The broader Middle East conflict has already disrupted global energy markets and international shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher oil prices and increased geopolitical risk.

Analysts warn that continued military escalation could further destabilize the Gulf, impacting global trade, energy security, and regional stability. Both the US and Saudi Arabia continue to monitor the situation closely, preparing to respond to any further Iranian provocations.

Iran Strikes US Forces in Saudi Arabia, Damaging Aircraft