Middle East Tensions Escalate: Israeli Minister Calls for Regime Change in Iran

PNN International Desk | June 21, 2025

As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has made a bold and controversial declaration, calling for a regime change in Iran—a move that has further heightened tensions in the region. While visiting a hospital damaged by recent Iranian missile strikes, Katz stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “must not be allowed to remain in power.” He also confirmed having instructed Israeli forces to increase the scale of their attacks in order to “weaken the Iranian government.”

This stark declaration comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently at the helm of the U.S. government in his second term, has set a two-week window to decide whether the United States will formally join the ongoing military conflict. The White House announced that efforts will be made during this period to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the hostilities.

In contrast to Katz’s aggressive stance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a more cautious tone, stating that removing Iran’s leadership is not an official or declared objective of Israel’s war efforts. The conflicting statements have sparked global concern and increased uncertainty about the true direction of Israel’s military strategy.

As the war enters its seventh consecutive day, the international community continues to urge restraint, while the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.

Photo: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (File Photo)