An article published by Hamshahri, an Iranian newspaper known for its hardline and extremist positions, has caused a major stir in international diplomatic circles. The publication released a poster featuring images of US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and 13 other prominent global leaders and ministers, labeling them as “Revenge Targets.” The report has further heightened already tense conditions across West Asia.
The list names several key American and European leaders. From the US, it includes President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. From Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is named. European leaders on the list include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, among others.
International news agencies report that the list reflects the ideology promoted by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and appears intended as both a protest against rival nations’ policies and a warning of retaliation.
Following the report, security and intelligence agencies in the countries whose leaders were named have gone on high alert. This comes against the backdrop of longstanding claims from Donald Trump that Iran has repeatedly plotted to physically assassinate him. Experts also point to the broader context — the ongoing cold war between Israel and Iran in West Asia and the US sanctions in place — arguing that a poster from a state-linked publication openly declaring a revenge list against foreign leaders violates international law and diplomatic norms.
Foreign ministries of the affected nations are now closely monitoring the development. There is a clear possibility that Iran could face questions over the matter in the coming days, either through the United Nations or via diplomatic channels.