Trump nixed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s supreme leader, US official says

President Donald Trump rejected a recent Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to multiple U.S. officials. The plan, reportedly presented to the U.S. during Israel’s intensified airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, was vetoed by Trump who prefers to avoid deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

Trump’s administration conveyed clearly to Israeli officials that such a targeted killing was “not a good idea,” aiming to prevent a broader regional war and maintain a path toward diplomatic negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu neither confirmed nor denied the reports, calling them “false” but affirming Israel’s resolve to act as necessary.

Despite the rejection of the assassination plan, the U.S. has provided defensive support to Israel amid ongoing missile exchanges. Trump warned Iran against attacking American interests, promising a severe military response if the U.S. is targeted, while urging both Israel and Iran to reach a peaceful deal to end the conflict.

ADVERTISEMENT

The White House remains cautious about expanding U.S. military engagement, reflecting Trump’s longstanding stance against “nation-building” wars and his desire to avoid being drawn into a conflict he did not start. However, some Republican allies have called for stronger U.S. support for Israel if diplomacy fails.

The conflict, which began with Israeli strikes on June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear program and military infrastructure, has since escalated with reciprocal missile attacks, raising fears of a prolonged and destabilizing war in the Middle East.