'This is not the time for peace,' Khamenei reportedly said, insisting the United States and Israel must first be defeated and made to pay a compensation.

The statement was read out by a newscaster, but there has been no sign of life from Mojtaba Khamenei.

'It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,' Katz warned.

Whoever is in charge, the leadership has yet to hold a funeral for Khamenei—a striking delay, given that Islamic tradition calls for burial as soon as possible.