President Donald Trump has rejected an Israeli proposal to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, intensifying diplomatic tensions amid escalating Middle East conflict.
According to the Associated Press, Israeli officials recently presented the Trump administration with what they described as a credible plan to assassinate Khamenei.
The White House swiftly rejected the proposal, with officials expressing concerns that such an action would dramatically escalate the ongoing conflict and potentially destabilize the entire region. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, revealed that the administration viewed the assassination plan as counterproductive to containment efforts.
Conflicting diplomatic signals
When questioned about the reported plan during a Fox News interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided directly addressing whether the White House had rejected the proposal. Instead, he offered a cryptic response suggesting Israel would act independently.
"I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we'll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States," Netanyahu stated during the interview with Bret Baier. The Israeli leader further suggested that regime change in Iran "could certainly be the result" of the conflict, noting that "the Iranian regime is very weak."
Netanyahu's office has since declined to comment on the reports, maintaining strategic ambiguity around Israel's intentions. This stance creates tension with Trump's public statements emphasizing diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
Trump predicts peace agreement
Despite intensifying military exchanges between Israel and Iran, President Trump has issued surprisingly optimistic forecasts about the conflict's resolution. In a social media post following three consecutive days of missile exchanges, Trump predicted that "Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal."
Trump cited his previous diplomatic interventions as evidence of his ability to broker peace between warring nations. He specifically referenced his claimed role in de-escalating recent tensions between India and Pakistan after militants killed 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April, though India has disputed Trump's characterization of his involvement.
"Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!" Trump declared on social media. "Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that's OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!"
MAGA movement divided
The escalating Middle East conflict has exposed significant divisions within Trump's political base, with prominent supporters expressing conflicting views on potential U.S. involvement. Several influential figures, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have urged Trump to maintain his campaign promise of avoiding foreign conflicts.
Charlie Kirk previously expressed concern that Israel's strikes on Iran could create "a massive schism in MAGA and potentially disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful Presidency." Kentucky Senator Rand Paul has praised Trump's restraint, hoping the president's "instincts will prevail."
However, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has advocated for a more aggressive approach if diplomatic efforts fail. During an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation," Graham urged Trump to "go all in" on destroying Iran's nuclear program if negotiations prove unsuccessful, stating: "If that means providing bombs, provide bombs. If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel."
Growing regional instability
The president's decision to block the assassination plan comes amid rapidly escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran. Israel has targeted Iran's Defense Ministry headquarters in Tehran and sites allegedly connected to Iran's nuclear program, while Iranian missiles have penetrated Israeli air defenses and struck buildings deep inside Israel.
Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Sunday, threatening unprecedented military retaliation if U.S. interests are targeted. "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," Trump declared in a social media post.
The intensifying Middle East crisis presents a significant challenge to Trump's campaign promises to quickly end conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine while maintaining a foreign policy that avoids entanglements abroad. The president is scheduled to discuss the crisis with G7 leaders at an upcoming summit in Canada, where the regional instability will likely dominate discussions.
