TEL AVIV, 10 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s opposition Democratic Party, has described the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the beginning of the US-Israeli war against Iran as a “mistake,” arguing that the action did not serve Israel’s national interests. Speaking during an event in Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, Golan said the killing of Khamenei was a mistake, not because he did not deserve to die, but because it failed to advance Israel’s interests. He also pointed out that Khamenei was 86 years old at the time. Golan argued that the succession of Khamenei by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, had left Iran under the leadership of individuals he described as more extreme and violent. The Israeli opposition leader also criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for pursuing what he called an unrealistic goal of overthrowing the Iranian government, saying the objective had not been achieved. The United States and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks across the region. The conflict also led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments, disrupting commercial shipping and contributing to rising international energy prices. The war has heightened tensions across the Middle East and raised concerns about regional security and global energy supplies. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a framework agreement following mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar aimed at halting hostilities and paving the way for further negotiations.