U.S. President Donald Trump refused to approve a secret Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to three U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News.
Trump Told Netanyahu: “Not a Good Idea”
One official said Trump directly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the idea was “not a good idea.” This conversation reportedly happened after Israel launched an airstrike on Iran last Friday. So far, Trump has stayed silent and has not confirmed or denied the report publicly.
Netanyahu Avoids Direct Answer
During an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu did not confirm whether Trump blocked the plan. He said, “There’s so many false reports of conversations that never happened and I’m not going to get into that.” He added, “We will do what we need to do and I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.”
Israel Says It Doesn’t Target Political Leaders
A senior Israeli official told CBS News that Israel usually avoids assassinating political figures. The official explained, “In principle, Israel does not kill political leaders, we are focused on nuclear and military.” He added, “I don’t think anyone making decisions about those programs should be living free and easy.”
Airstrikes Between Israel and Iran Continue
Israel first attacked Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military sites on Friday. Since then, both sides have continued their strikes. By Sunday, the conflict entered its third day.
Trump Calls for a Peace Deal
On Truth Social, Trump commented on the rising tension. He wrote, “Iran and Israel should make a deal,” and claimed he could help stop the conflict “just like I got India and Pakistan.” This referred to Trump’s past efforts to ease tensions between the two South Asian nations.
U.S. Stands by Israel, Says Trump
Before flying to the G7 summit in Canada, Trump spoke briefly with reporters. He confirmed that the U.S. would continue supporting Israel, but didn’t say if he asked Israel to end its strikes on Iran.
Nuclear Talks Canceled After Airstrikes
The next round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, set for Sunday, was canceled. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who was helping mediate the talks, announced the cancellation on Saturday. An official told Reuters that Iran informed Qatar and Oman that it would not negotiate while Israeli attacks continued.
Trump Denies U.S. Involvement in Israeli Attack
Trump made it clear that the U.S. had nothing to do with the Israeli strike.
But he warned Iran strongly, “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.”
Confusion and Caution Amid Rising Tensions
Trump’s reported decision to block the assassination shows his concern about escalating the situation. Meanwhile, Israel continues to hit Iran, and peace talks remain stalled. Trump’s call for a deal sounds hopeful, but for now, the region remains on edge.