President Donald Trump has rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid escalating hostilities between the two nations, according to multiple U.S. officials. The decision highlights Trump’s desire to de-escalate the crisis and avoid pulling the United States deeper into another Middle East conflict.
Senior American officials told CNN that Israel recently had the opportunity to target Khamenei, but the U.S. communicated its opposition to the plan. Trump made it clear he wants to steer the U.S. away from direct involvement, despite offering defensive support to intercept Iranian missile attacks on Israel. “They should talk and they should talk immediately,” Trump said, pushing for negotiations between Iran and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied the reports, calling them “fake” and refusing to confirm any discussions related to the alleged plot. Nonetheless, the conflict continues to intensify, with both nations launching missile strikes and targeting key infrastructure. The Israeli military campaign, now in its second week, is reportedly focused on dismantling Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
Despite U.S. reluctance to engage offensively, officials acknowledge that military coordination with Israel is ongoing behind the scenes. Trump has resisted calls from some Republican allies to increase American involvement, insisting instead that peace remains achievable through diplomacy. In a social media post, he warned Iran against provoking the U.S., but reiterated his belief that a deal could still be made to end the violence.
The Biden-era vision of American restraint continues under Trump’s leadership, though critics argue that non-involvement risks emboldening adversaries. Inside the White House, there remains deep skepticism about escalating U.S. participation. Trump’s aides stress that American military action would only follow a direct attack on U.S. personnel or facilities.
The ongoing Israeli operation is expected to take weeks, not days, with Trump’s administration offering tacit approval but no active support for offensive strikes. Instead, Washington has focused on intercepting incoming missiles and managing the diplomatic fallout.
While many in Israel see eliminating Khamenei as a way to neutralize a long-term threat, Trump is wary of being drawn into a war with unpredictable consequences. His administration has emphasized that any U.S. role must be based on strategic necessity, not political pressure. However, with regional tensions rising and the nuclear threat looming, the window for peaceful resolution may be narrowing.
