Key Highlights:
- Trump rejects Israeli proposal to kill Ayatollah Khamenei
- U.S. warns Iran not to retaliate against American targets
- Israel denies assassination plan, labels reports as ‘fake’
- Trump claims he will broker peace “soon” between Israel and Iran
White House Rejects Israeli Proposal to Kill Iran’s Supreme Leader
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump recently vetoed a covert Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a senior U.S. official familiar with the matter. The official, speaking anonymously, said Trump feared the move would trigger a much larger and more dangerous regional war.
The plan was reportedly shared with Washington in recent days, with Israeli officials claiming they had the capability and intelligence to execute the operation. However, the Trump administration firmly opposed the move, citing concerns about regional instability and the potential for global backlash.
Israeli Strike Hits Iranian State Broadcaster as Tehran Calls on Trump to Push for Ceasefire
Netanyahu Evades Direct Answer, Denies Report via Spokesperson
When asked directly on Fox News’ “Special Report” whether the U.S. had rejected an Israeli proposal to kill Khamenei, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to confirm or deny it.
“We’ll do what we need to do,” Netanyahu stated. “And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.”
Netanyahu’s spokesperson Omer Dostri later dismissed the report entirely, calling it “fake.”
Still, Netanyahu hinted at deeper intentions, suggesting that regime change in Iran could become a consequence of the current conflict, calling Iran’s leadership “very weak.”
Trump Warns Iran, Predicts Peace Deal ‘Soon’
As Iran and Israel exchanged missile fire for a third consecutive day, Trump took to social media, issuing a sharp warning:
“If we are attacked in any way, shape, or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”
While distancing the U.S. from Israel’s offensive, Trump emphasized that Washington had no involvement in the Israeli attacks. Despite rising tensions, he predicted:
“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.”
He cited his previous de-escalation efforts, referencing crises between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia, claiming:
“I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”
Deep Divide in Trump’s Inner Circle on Supporting Israel
As the Middle East crisis deepens, Trump’s allies are divided on how far the U.S. should go in supporting Israel.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, and Tucker Carlson have warned that Trump’s base is against dragging the U.S. into another foreign conflict.
- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) praised Trump’s restraint, saying on NBC’s Meet the Press: “I see more war and more carnage. And it’s not the U.S.’s job to be involved in this war.”
However, not all Republicans agree.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told CBS’ Face the Nation: “If diplomacy doesn’t work, Trump should go all in. Provide bombs. Fly with Israel.”
Trump Heads to G7 as Middle East Tensions Dominate Global Agenda
Trump is scheduled to attend the G7 Summit in Canada, where the Israel-Iran crisis will likely dominate discussions with world leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Japan, and the European Union.
Amid fears of escalation, Trump maintains his belief that a deal is within reach — though both Iran and Israel remain deeply entrenched in their military campaigns.
Conclusion: Trump Balances Between War and Peace
Trump’s decision to block the Israeli plan to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei signals a strategic restraint in hopes of averting full-scale war. While still firmly backing Israel’s right to self-defense, Trump appears committed to containing the conflict and pushing for diplomatic resolution.
As both Israel and Iran exchange deadly fire, the coming days will test Trump’s claims — and his ability to achieve what many believe is near-impossible: peace between two sworn enemies in the heart of the Middle East.