SRINAGAR: US President Donald Trump recently blocked an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
As per media reports, US officials said the plan, presented in the wake of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, was reportedly developed by Israeli intelligence and communicated to the Trump administration in recent days.
After a briefing on the plan, President Trump made it clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that targeting Khamenei was “not a good idea” and that such an action would only be considered if Iran had killed an American. US officials cited concerns that assassinating Iran’s top political leader could dangerously escalate the conflict and destabilize the region.
Israeli officials have publicly denied the reports, calling them “fake news,” while Netanyahu declined to confirm or deny the existence of such discussions. The episode comes as Israel continues a campaign of airstrikes against Iranian targets, with both countries exchanging attacks and tensions remaining high.
The Trump administration has reiterated its desire to avoid direct US involvement in the conflict unless American personnel are attacked, maintaining a primarily defensive posture while urging both sides to seek a diplomatic resolution
