Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Wednesday that any successor to Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be targeted for assassination.

Katz posted the threat on X, stating: "Any leader selected by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan for Israel's destruction, threatening the United States, the free world, and countries in the region, and suppressing the Iranian people, will be a certain target for assassination, no matter his name or where he hides." He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare under "Operation Lion's Roar" to act alongside U.S. partners.

The vow came amid escalating conflict after Khamenei, 86, was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran last Saturday while working in his office at the Leader's House. Iranian state media confirmed the death, describing it as a "cowardly attack." U.S. President Donald Trump verified the strike on Truth Social.

On Tuesday, Israeli forces struck a building housing Iran's Assembly of Experts in Qom, the body responsible for selecting the supreme leader, as it reportedly convened to name Khamenei's replacement. Iranian media denied a meeting was underway, claiming votes were conducted remotely.

Reports from Iranian opposition outlet Iran International and Israeli media indicate Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, 56, has emerged as the frontrunner. The second-eldest son, who lacks a high clerical rank but has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was reportedly chosen under pressure from the Guards. No official Iranian confirmation has surfaced, and a temporary leadership council currently holds duties.

Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf states, killing at least nine in Israel, three in the UAE, and one in Kuwait. U.S. troops have also suffered casualties. Israel called up 100,000 reserves and continues air operations over Tehran, while U.S. forces target Iranian naval and air assets.

Khamenei's funeral began Wednesday evening in Tehran, with burial planned in Mashhad. The conflict has disrupted global air travel and raised fears of oil market chaos if the Strait of Hormuz closes.