Trump rejects Israeli plan to kill Iranian supreme leader, US officials say

President Donald Trump blocked a secret Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to two U.S. officials. The proposal surfaced amid rising tensions and exchanges of missile strikes between Israel and Iran.

A senior U.S. official told CNN that the Israeli plan was shared with the U.S. government over the weekend. Trump opposed the operation, the official said, and Israel ultimately did not move forward with it.

Trump’s decision reflects a broader strategy to avoid deeper military entanglements in the Middle East. He has told aides and allies that the U.S. must not get dragged into another prolonged war.

“We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,” Trump told ABC News on Sunday.

Despite the conflict, the administration has expressed interest in continuing nuclear talks with Iran. Officials hope diplomacy can still deliver a peaceful outcome.

Meanwhile, Israel’s government has denied reports of the assassination plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Fox News that “so many false reports” have circulated and declined to discuss the matter further. A spokesperson later told CNN the reports were “FAKE.”

Since Israel launched strikes on Iran last Friday, Tehran has responded with missile attacks. One strike hit Haifa, Israel, and injured several civilians.

The U.S. has provided defensive support to Israel, including intercepting incoming Iranian missiles. However, Trump has resisted calls from Republican allies to join Israel in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities.

On Truth Social, Trump posted Saturday, “If we are attacked... the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you.” He also said the U.S. “had nothing to do” with Israeli strikes and hoped to negotiate peace.

An Israeli official told CNN the U.S. has not yet discussed offensive military action. The operation, the official added, is expected to last “weeks, not days.”

The goal, said the official, is to ensure Iran no longer poses an “existential threat” to Israel. “If we must act alone, we will. If allies help, even better,” the official added.

Trump’s desire to keep the U.S. out of the fighting highlights his ongoing promise to avoid foreign conflicts. He has often criticized past U.S. leaders for engaging in what he calls “nation-building crusades.”

“Leaders from both parties dragged our military into missions it was never meant to be a part of,” Trump said at a recent West Point commencement. “I will not repeat that mistake.”

However, voices in his party are pushing for more U.S. involvement. Senator Lindsey Graham wrote last week, “Going all in for Israel shows America is back as a reliable ally.”

Still, the White House appears firm on its position support Israel defensively, but hold off on offensive military action. That position, for now, remains unchanged even as Israel escalates its campaign.

Inside Iran, the strikes have caused chaos. Missiles hit military and fuel depots, while Tehran’s skyline filled with smoke. Civilians in both Israel and Iran have been forced into shelters.

The humanitarian impact has grown. Crowds flee Tehran, while cities in Israel mourn victims of missile strikes. Rescue teams continue to dig through debris from the latest attacks.

International observers warn that a prolonged conflict could destabilize the region even further. Still, the Trump administration remains hopeful for diplomacy.

“This can be solved by continuing negotiations,” a U.S. official said. “We’re not directing Israel, but we’re encouraging a peaceful resolution.”

For now, that resolution seems distant. But Trump’s actions show a president trying to balance support for Israel with a desire to avoid another costly war.

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