Trump rejects Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s leader
What happened
President Trump has rejected an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—a proposal reportedly vetoed after he asked, “Have the Iranians killed an American yet?”. His refusal emerged amid escalating violence between Israel and Iran, including Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 406 people in Iran and Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities. Trump defended his stance, saying that “sometimes they have to fight it out” but expressing hope for a peace deal and warning that U.S. forces stand ready.
What next
Trump’s veto signals U.S. opposition to further escalation while positioning him as a potential mediator at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, where world leaders—including those of Europe—are set to press him on de-escalation and Iran negotiation. As diplomatic efforts unfold, the risk of wider regional conflict looms, with officials preparing for possible U.S. military involvement and urging international calls for a ceasefire.