U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly discouraged Israel from assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as tensions in the region intensify.
Trump reportedly vetoed a proposed Israeli plan to strike Khamenei during recent military operations in Iran. He justified his decision by pointing out that no Americans had been killed by Iran at the time, and therefore, he saw no justification for taking direct action against a political leader. Trump emphasized that such measures should only be considered if U.S. interests or personnel were directly threatened.
Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the idea—labeling Khamenei a modern-day Hitler and suggesting that his removal could change the course of the conflict—Trump maintained a more cautious stance. He instead advocated for diplomatic efforts and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, noting that discussions between Iran and Israel were ongoing.
Trump’s position reflects a moment of strategic restraint and signals the U.S. preference to avoid a full-scale escalation, particularly one that could lead to regional war or global instability. While Israel continues to evaluate its options, Trump’s stance underscores the weight of American influence in moderating potential flashpoints in the Middle East.
