Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Killed In Israeli Strike, Says Benjamin Netanyahu

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 07:04 IST

Netanyahu also criticised Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. He described him as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards” and said the leader cannot appear in public.

Benjamin Netanyahu said top Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli strikes as the West Asia war entered its 14th day. Speaking at a news conference, the Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that several leading scientists were among those killed during the attacks.

Netanyahu on Iran’s new Supreme Leader

Netanyahu also criticised Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. He described him as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards" and said the leader cannot appear in public.

His comments came hours after Iranian state television aired a statement said to be from Khamenei on Thursday. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since being chosen as Iran’s new supreme leader. Reports say he was injured at the start of the war.

Message to the Iranian people

Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian public during the briefing. He said the moment for a “new path of freedom" for Iran was approaching.

He added that Israel stands with the Iranian people but stressed that the future ultimately depends on them.

“But at the end of the day, it depends on you. It is in your hands," Netanyahu said.

News world Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Killed In Israeli Strike, Says Benjamin Netanyahu

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