The Blubber

Former U.S. President Donald Trump rejected a proposal by Israel to carry out a targeted killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the matter.

Israeli officials recently informed the Trump administration that they had formulated what they believed to be a viable plan to eliminate Khamenei. After reviewing the details, the White House made it clear that Trump was firmly opposed to the move, the official said. The individual, who was not authorized to discuss the sensitive issue publicly, spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration was reportedly eager to prevent Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure from spiraling into a broader regional war. Officials viewed the assassination plot as a step that could significantly escalate tensions and risk destabilizing the Middle East.

During a recent appearance on Fox News Channel’s Special Report with Bret Baier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked directly about the alleged U.S. veto of the assassination plan. He did not confirm or deny the report.

“I can tell you this,” Netanyahu said, “we will do what we need to do. And I think the United States understands what is in its own interest.”

Netanyahu also suggested that regime change in Iran was a possible outcome of the current conflict, describing the Iranian leadership as “very weak.”

The initial report on Trump’s rejection of the plan was published by Reuters. Netanyahu’s office declined to comment when asked about the report.

On Sunday, Trump issued a warning to Tehran, cautioning Iran against any retaliation targeting U.S. personnel or assets in the region. At the same time, he expressed optimism that Israel and Iran could “soon” reach a deal to de-escalate hostilities.

In an early morning post on social media, Trump emphasized that the United States was not involved in Israel’s recent attack on Iran, even as the two countries exchanged missile fire for the third day in a row. Iran has stated it considers the U.S. complicit due to its extensive military support for Israel, including advanced weaponry.

“If we are attacked in any way, shape, or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” Trump warned.

Later that day, he reiterated his belief that a resolution between Iran and Israel was not only possible but imminent: “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal,” he wrote.

Israel’s strikes in recent days have reportedly hit key facilities, including the Iranian Defense Ministry in Tehran and other locations tied to Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, Iranian missiles breached Israeli air defenses, landing in populated areas deep inside the country.