Trump Opposes Israeli Plan to Target Iranian Leader
CNN —
President Donald Trump has expressed his opposition to an Israeli initiative aimed at assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Iran. Sources indicate that Trump prefers the U.S. remain uninvolved in the conflict for the time being.
According to a senior U.S. official, Israel had an opportunity to execute the plan but was informed by the U.S. that Trump did not support it, leading to its abandonment. The president is cautious about entangling the U.S. in another Middle Eastern conflict and is mindful of the evolving political landscape within his party.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a Fox News interview, dismissed the reports about the assassination plan being rejected as “false” and characterized them as “fake news.” Officials from Netanyahu’s cabinet also reinforced that Trump’s disapproval of the Israeli plan was unfounded.
Despite the heightened tensions, U.S. officials have indicated a willingness to continue nuclear negotiations with Iran, hoping to find a peaceful resolution despite the prevailing challenges. Discussions regarding the potential increase of U.S. involvement in Israel’s actions have occurred, but specific details remain unspecified.
Trump, in a recent ABC News interview, clarified that while the U.S. is not currently involved in the conflict, there remains a possibility of future involvement. The president is attempting to balance his commitment to peace with the pressing realities of military dynamics in the region.
Since the onset of Israel’s recent military actions, the U.S. has offered defensive support, particularly in intercepting Iranian retaliation. However, Trump has refrained from aligning the U.S. military with Israel’s attempts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, resisting calls from Republican allies for more direct intervention.
Amid pressure to engage more assertively, Trump remains focused on avoiding war and has emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution. He maintains that ongoing negotiations are essential to reduce Iran’s threat, keeping an eye on the long-term geopolitical landscape as the conflict develops.
