ISLAMABAD: Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly vetoed a plan by Israeli officials to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to two senior American officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
The plan emerged amid heightened tensions following Israel’s large-scale airstrikes on Iranian targets aimed at dismantling the country’s nuclear infrastructure.
According to sources, Israeli intelligence believed they had a clear opportunity to eliminate Khamenei.
However, Trump overruled the proposal, reportedly saying Iran had not yet directly harmed American interests.
“Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No,” one U.S. official quoted Trump as saying.
“Until they do, we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership.”
It remains unclear whether the message to Israel was delivered directly by Trump himself, but communication
lines between the Trump administration and Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were highly active during this period.
Netanyahu Responds to Reports
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu dismissed the report, calling it one of many “false stories” about private conversations.
Still, he emphasized that Israel would continue to act in its national interest.
“I think we do what we need to do,” Netanyahu said, adding, “And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.”
Trump, meanwhile, remained focused on the diplomatic front, expressing hope for renewed negotiations with
Iran, despite a scheduled meeting in Oman being canceled due to the military escalations.
He also posted on Truth Social that “Iran and Israel will make a deal,” referencing past diplomatic efforts,
including what he claimed was a peace agreement between India and Pakistan brokered through U.S. trade incentives.
Conflict Escalates Between Israel and Iran
While diplomacy stalls, conflict has surged.
Iran launched a fresh wave of missile strikes against Israel, triggering air raid sirens in multiple cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Israel responded by targeting surface-to-surface missile sites within Iranian territory, according to its military spokesperson.
Simultaneously, Iran informed mediators from Qatar and Oman that it would not enter negotiations while under active attack.
Iran’s Health Ministry reported over 220 deaths and 1,200 injuries from Israeli airstrikes since Friday, with most victims being civilians.
Tehran’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of “barbaric” actions and dismissed claims of precise strikes as propaganda.
Israel, meanwhile, warned Iranian civilians near military facilities to evacuate as further strikes were imminent.
Netanyahu pledged that Iran would pay a “very heavy price” for the killing of Israeli civilians, including women and children.
Trump cautioned Iran against targeting American interests but reiterated his belief that peace between the two nations was still possible.
