An Iranian newspaper has sparked fresh controversy after publishing a list of 13 world leaders it described as potential targets for “revenge” following the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The publication, which is known for its hardline views, included several prominent political figures, drawing international attention amid already heightened tensions in the region.
Among those named were US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Argentine President Javier Milei. The list also included leaders from other countries seen as supporting Israel or the United States during the conflict.
The newspaper claimed these leaders had backed military action against Iran or had publicly supported Israel. It argued that they should face consequences for what it described as their role in the conflict. However, the article did not provide any evidence of an official government policy or any operational plans linked to the published names.
The report comes just weeks after a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, which also saw the United States carry out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Although a ceasefire has since reduced direct military confrontation, political tensions across the region remain high.
Security experts say such publications often reflect the views of hardline groups rather than official government decisions. Even so, the article has raised concerns because of the charged atmosphere following the conflict and the possibility that extremist individuals could misuse such rhetoric.
Governments of the leaders named in the report have not issued any immediate response to the publication. International observers, however, continue to monitor developments closely as diplomatic efforts seek to prevent fresh instability in the Middle East.
