Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls for U.S. and Israeli Leaders to Face War Crimes Charges

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei called on Saturday for American and Israeli leaders to be prosecuted over military operations targeting Iran, according to reports.

Speaking through a post on his X account, Khamenei described efforts to establish legal responsibility for U.S. and Israeli airstrikes carried out over the past two years as "the Iranian nation's most important legal issue." He accused both countries of committing what he called violations by "international criminals and arrogant global powers."

War Crimes Allegations

Khamenei specifically pointed to reported strikes in the Minab and Lamerd areas, alleging that civilian casualties, including children, and attacks on medical facilities should be prosecuted as war crimes in both domestic and international courts.

The claims have not been independently verified, and Israel has consistently maintained that it targets military and terrorist infrastructure while taking measures intended to reduce civilian casualties. The United States has also defended its military actions as lawful and directed against security threats.

Reference to His Father

Khamenei also referred to the reported death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Iranian officials say was killed during joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes at the beginning of the conflict. He described that incident as one of "thousands of legal cases" that should be investigated.

"These criminals must be arrested and brought before justice," Khamenei said, accusing the United States and Israel of openly admitting responsibility for what he described as crimes.

Investigation Underway

Khamenei said the investigation has been entrusted to the appropriate Iranian authorities and argued that pursuing legal action could help prevent similar incidents in the future.