Assassination threats openly defy global law
In the current tense international climate, speaking openly about the assassination of state leaders is becoming more common. This raises serious concerns about international law, ethics and peace.
Recent comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump about Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have shocked many. What used to be unacceptable is now being spoken of as a possible solution. This shows how some leaders are moving away from diplomacy and leaning towards threats and violence.
In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu was asked if Israel might target Khamenei. He replied that Israel was 'doing what we need to do,' which many understood as a suggestion that such an action is being considered. He also said that Iran is working towards nuclear weapons and described the Iranian regime as similar to 'Hitler's nuclear team.' Netanyahu added, 'They chant 'Death to America.' So we're doing something that is in the service of mankind, of humanity, and it's a battle of good against evil'.
Trump, known for his strong position on Iran, also made alarming remarks. In 2020, he reportedly refused an Israeli request to assassinate Khamenei, fearing it would start a war. But recently, he said the United States knows where Khamenei is and is 'holding off killing him — for now'. He also claimed that Iran had made two attempts to assassinate him using proxies. In February, Trump warned that if Iran killed him, they would be 'obliterated.' He said, 'Not because of me. If they did that, they would be obliterated. That would be the end. I've left instructions: if they do it, they get obliterated. There won't be anything left'.
Iran strongly denied these claims. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called them a 'fabricated scenario' made to destroy the chance of better relations between Iran and the United States'. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, described the accusations as part of a 'repulsive' Israeli campaign to spread fear about Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian also said Iran never tried to assassinate Trump, calling the claims part of a plan by enemy countries.
These statements have caused serious reactions around the world. Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the leaders who responded publicly. Speaking after Trump's comments, Putin said, 'This is not how responsible nations behave. Threatening the life of another country's leader crosses a red line in international conduct.' He also warned that such talk 'creates a precedent that can destabilise relations globally and permanently close the door to peaceful solutions'.
A man injured in an Israeli strike, receives medical care at the Rasoul Akram hospital in Tehran as Israel's war with Iran has entered its second week. - AFP
Putin's words show how dangerous this kind of language can be. Under international law, including the UN Charter, countries are not allowed to use force or interfere in each other's politics. Talking openly about killing foreign leaders breaks these rules. It also encourages other countries to do the same, creating a very dangerous world where violence becomes normal.
The Middle East is already a region filled with wars, tension, and political disputes. If a state leader were to be assassinated, it could easily lead to revenge attacks and a wider war. This would likely involve more countries, and the cost to human life and regional security would be very high.
These threats also damage any chance of diplomacy. When world leaders speak about killing each other, it becomes nearly impossible to talk, negotiate or build trust. Instead of solving problems, this kind of talk creates new ones.
Political assassinations are not just wrong — they are extremely risky. Leaders must protect their countries, but that does not give them the right to break international law or threaten peace. Even when there are serious disagreements, countries must adhere to the law and resolve issues through diplomatic means.
History has shown how killing leaders can lead to terrible consequences. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, for example, helped trigger the First World War. The world should not repeat such mistakes.
If leaders truly care about peace and security, they must choose the path of law and dialogue. Netanyahu and Trump's comments should be taken as a warning. The international community must speak clearly: political killings are unacceptable.
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