Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that the country had considered targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during recent military escalations, but found no viable opportunity. When asked whether the U.S. had been consulted, Katz said, "We do not require U.S. approval for such actions." In response, Khamenei declared that Israel’s "fake Zionist regime has been defeated in war" and claimed Iran has "slapped the U.S. in the face."