Trump Halts Israeli Attempt to Target Iran’s Supreme Leader
In a decisive move during recent days, former President Donald Trump is reported to have rejected an Israeli operation aimed at assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to informed sources within the US administration, Israel had identified a viable chance to eliminate Khamenei amid escalating tensions but was instructed to stand down.
US Officials Explain the Decision
Senior US officials, briefing on the condition of anonymity, emphasized that no American casualties from Iran had yet justified extreme retaliation. As one official noted, "Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership."
The message conveyed a clear stance from the Trump administration: lethal action against Iran’s top leadership was off the table without direct provocation involving US personnel.
Close Communications Between US and Israel
The officials also revealed ongoing, intense communication between American and Israeli leadership since Israel’s significant military strikes aiming to disrupt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite Israel reporting an opportunity to neutralize Khamenei, Trump withheld approval.
It remains undisclosed whether Trump personally relayed the veto, but frequent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were confirmed.
Netanyahu Responds to Reports
When questioned about the story, Prime Minister Netanyahu refrained from confirming any such exchanges. In an interview, he dismissed the reports as speculative, saying, "There’s so many false reports of conversations that never happened." However, he asserted Israel’s resolve: "We do what we need to do... and I think the United States knows what is good for the United States."
Context: Nuclear Negotiations at a Standstill
Trump’s decision aligns with his public hope to revive diplomatic talks concerning Iran’s nuclear program, which have hit roadblocks recently. Planned discussions in Oman were canceled following the Israeli strikes, underscoring the fragile state of negotiations.
Earlier, Trump claimed comprehensive knowledge of the Israeli actions, stating, "we knew everything" prior to the strikes.
Key Takeaways
- Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader.
- US officials insist no American casualties have prompted such drastic measures.
- Close US–Israel coordination contrasts with Israel’s operational frustrations.
- Netanyahu avoids confirming the veto while affirming Israel’s autonomy.
- Nuclear talks remain suspended amid ongoing regional tensions.
