June 15, 2025 – President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in recent days, according to two U.S. officials cited by Reuters. The decision came amid escalating tensions following Israel’s massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, which killed 78, including top commanders. Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing 13 Israelis.
The officials, speaking anonymously, said Israel informed the U.S. of a credible opportunity to target Khamenei, but Trump rejected the plan, stating, “Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do, we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership.” Trump’s stance reflects his desire to avoid a broader Middle East conflict while pursuing renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, which were canceled in Oman due to the strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when pressed on Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, dismissed the report as one of “many false conversations” but added, “We do what we need to do.” Trump, in frequent contact with Netanyahu, has balanced warnings to Iran—promising severe U.S. military action if American assets are targeted—with optimistic calls for a diplomatic “deal” to end hostilities, citing his role in past India-Pakistan de-escalation.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some praising Trump’s restraint and others speculating on Netanyahu’s autonomy. The veto underscores Trump’s cautious approach, influenced by advisors like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Charlie Kirk, who urge avoiding foreign entanglements. Meanwhile, the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, with both sides trading strikes and global leaders, including Russia and Turkey, offering mediation.
