By the premier reporter
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, reports have emerged that former U.S. President Donald Trump vetoed a recent Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This revelation comes as Israel and Iran exchange deadly strikes, pushing the region closer to a full scale war.
Two U.S. officials confirmed yesterday that the Israeli proposal was firmly rejected by the Trump administration, which feared the move would dangerously escalate the conflict. Speaking under the condition of anonymity, one official stated that after the plan was presented, the White House conveyed strong opposition, citing regional stability concerns.
“The administration is focused on containing the current conflict and preventing it from spiraling into a wider regional war,” the official said. The U.S. remains keen on avoiding any actions that could inflame tensions, particularly those that might provoke direct retaliation against American interests.
In a Fox News interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to confirm whether Washington had blocked the plan. “We’ll do what we need to do,” he said, adding that “the United States knows what is good for the United States.”
Since Israel launched its surprise offensive on Friday, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, the violence has escalated sharply. Israel’s strikes have targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, military command, and fuel depots, while Iran has responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles.
Iran’s Health Ministry reports at least 128 deaths and over 900 injuries from Israeli airstrikes. In turn, Iran’s missile retaliation has killed 11 people in Israel, with rocket sirens sounding across major cities, including Tel Aviv.
The situation has deteriorated further with Israeli strikes hitting residential areas in Tehran, including a student dormitory, and multiple car bombs detonating near government buildings. Israel’s military confirmed it also struck dual use fuel sites linked to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, warned that the country’s retaliation will become “more decisive and severe” if Israel’s attacks continue. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities urged civilians near weapons sites to evacuate.
Trump, who has supported Israel’s right to defend itself, has repeatedly warned Tehran against targeting U.S. assets. “If we are attacked in any way… the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.
Still, the former president said he believed a peace deal could be reached, stating that “many meetings” were underway and predicting that peace could come “soon.” He insisted Iran could end the war by agreeing to strict limits on its nuclear program, a condition Tehran continues to reject, maintaining that its nuclear efforts are for peaceful purposes.
As the death toll rises, now over 139, and oil prices spike, fears of a regional war persist. With no ceasefire in sight and both nations trading threats, the international community is watching closely, worried that the Middle East is on the brink of a wider and more devastating conflict.
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