Israel on Thursday declared that the killing of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei complied with international law governing armed conflict, describing him as the commander-in-chief of the Iranian military and a legitimate target. Israel's military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said Thursday the strike that killed Khamenei "complied with international law". "Under the international law of armed conflict, military commanders directing armed forces during war can constitute lawful military targets," Shoshani said on X. "As Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei served as Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces," he added, describing the ayatollah as "the final decision-maker on Iran's military operations". 🧵 1/3 Operation “Roaring Lion”: The legality of targeting the Supreme Leader of IranUnder the international law of armed conflict, military commanders directing armed forces during war can constitute lawful military targets.

Source: International New York Times March 06, 2026 12:33 UTC