Iran Vows to ‘Pursue and Kill’ Netanyahu Amid Rumours Over His Whereabouts

Iran has vowed to continue pursuing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as speculation spreads online about his whereabouts during the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The threat was issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday, the 16th day of the conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States. In a statement published on its official platform Sepah News, the group said it would continue targeting Netanyahu if he remains alive.

“If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force,” say the Guards on their website Sepah News.

Rumours circulate on social media

Questions about Netanyahu’s situation emerged after he was not seen publicly for several days. Social media users also circulated claims about a video released on March 12 in which some viewers suggested the footage might have been manipulated using artificial intelligence.

In the recording, the 76-year-old Israeli leader addressed his first press conference since Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran began on February 28. During the remarks, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military campaign and hinted at efforts aimed at weakening Iran’s political leadership.

“I will not detail the actions we are taking. We are creating the optimal conditions for toppling the regime but I won't deny that I can't tell you with all certainty that the people of Iran will topple the regime - a regime is toppled from the inside,” Netanyahu said in Hebrew.

The comments also referenced Iran’s current leadership under Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently assumed the role of supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, during the early days of the conflict.

Israeli officials deny death claims

Netanyahu’s office has dismissed rumours circulating online about his alleged death.

"These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine," his office told Turkey's Anadolu Agency when asked if they had a statement on the increasing claims on social media that "Netanyahu has been assassinated".

However, Israeli officials have not issued a detailed public statement addressing the speculation surrounding his absence.

Online speculation continues

Some online commentators have also pointed to the absence of Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, from social media. Yair, who frequently posts political commentary to his followers on X, has not published any updates since March 9, prompting additional speculation.

American political commentator Candace Owens was among those questioning Netanyahu’s status, writing on social media: “Where’s Bibi?”, referring to the Israeli leader by his well-known nickname.

Escalating war in the Middle East

The wider conflict began after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iranian targets in late February, dramatically escalating tensions across the region. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and US military facilities in Gulf countries.

Since then, both sides have continued exchanging strikes, raising fears of a broader regional war. Reports indicate that more than 2,000 people have been killed since the fighting began, with the majority of casualties occurring inside Iran.

The conflict remains highly volatile, with new threats and military actions continuing to emerge across the Middle East.