Trump Blocks Israeli Plot to Kill Iran’s Supreme Leader

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — President Donald Trump has reportedly vetoed an Israeli-backed plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to senior U.S. officials .

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Photo: WANA)

🔒 Why It Was Rejected

A top White House official stated:

“Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do, we're not even talking about going after their political leadership.”

Despite Israeli intelligence believing they had an opportunity to strike Khamenei, Trump rebuffed the plan to avoid escalating tensions further.

U.S.–Israel Talks Stay in Touch

U.S. and Israeli officials have maintained open dialogue during the recent intense cross-border operations, with Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking multiple times . Netanyahu, speaking on Fox News, neither confirmed nor denied the reports but insisted the two nations will “do what we need to do” 

Trump’s Evolving Stance

While Trump praised Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, he emphasized restraint. On June 17, he posted on Truth Social that the U.S. knows Khamenei’s location but “will not take him out … at least not for now.” He added that American patience is “wearing thin” and called on Iran to surrender unconditionally 

⚡ Bottom Line

Trump’s rejection of the assassination plot signals a deliberate effort to manage the crisis without triggering a broader war. But his warnings underscore how seriously Washington views the unfolding Israel‑Iran conflict.