President Donald Trump has vetoed an Israeli proposal to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the Associated Press. The revelation comes from a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Israeli officials recently presented the Trump administration with what they described as a credible plan to assassinate Khamenei. The White House promptly rejected the proposal, concerned it would significantly escalate the already tense conflict and potentially destabilize the region.
Administration Fears Regional Instability
The Trump administration is desperately trying to prevent Israel's military operations against Iran's nuclear program from erupting into a broader conflict. Officials viewed the assassination plan as a dangerous escalation that could ignite unpredictable consequences across the Middle East.
When questioned about the plan during a Fox News interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided directly addressing whether the White House had rejected the proposal. Instead, he cryptically remarked, "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 also suggested regime change in Iran "could certainly be the result" of the ongoing conflict, noting that "the Iranian regime is very weak." His office later declined to comment on the reports when approached for clarification.
Trump Warns Iran While Predicting Peace
Trump issued a stark warning to Iran against retaliating against U.S. targets while simultaneously expressing optimism about an imminent peace deal. The mixed messaging comes as Israel and Iran have exchanged missile strikes for three consecutive days.
"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 on social media. Hours later, he predicted: "Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal."
The president referenced his track record of de-escalating international conflicts, including a disputed claim about mediating between India and Pakistan after their recent border confrontation.
"Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!" Trump proclaimed, adding: "MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!"
MAGA Base Divided Over Middle East Policy
Trump's handling of the Israel-Iran conflict has created tensions within his political base. Several prominent supporters have urged him to keep America out of the escalating situation.
Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson are among those arguing that voters supported Trump specifically because he promised to avoid entangling the nation in foreign conflicts.
Kirk expressed concern that before Israel launched strikes on Iran, the situation could lead to "a massive schism in MAGA and potentially disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful Presidency." Meanwhile, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul praised Trump's restraint, hoping the president's "instincts will prevail."
Regional Crisis Tests Trump's Peace Promises
The growing Israel-Iran conflict presents a significant challenge to Trump, who campaigned on quickly ending the wars in Gaza and Ukraine while steering clear of foreign entanglements. His administration now finds itself struggling to find solutions.
After criticizing President Biden during the campaign for preventing Israel from striking Iranian nuclear sites, Trump now finds himself urging the Israelis to pursue diplomatic options. His administration continues pushing Tehran to abandon its nuclear program.
The Middle East crisis will dominate discussions at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, where Trump will meet with leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union. Meanwhile, influential voices in Congress remain divided, with Senator Lindsey Graham suggesting that if diplomacy fails, Trump should "go all in" on destroying Iran's nuclear program.
