The Israel Iran conflict escalated recently when reports emerged that Israel secretly planned to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly blocked the operation, according to Reuters.
Israeli intelligence reportedly believed there was a chance to remove Iran’s top political and religious figure. However, Trump urged caution, warning Israel against acting unless American lives were directly threatened.
One official quoted Trump saying, “Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do, we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership.”
Axios journalist Barak Ravid confirmed through sources that Trump intervened to stop Israel’s assassination plan.
In recent weeks, the Israel Iran conflict has intensified sharply. On Sunday night, Iran launched missile strikes into Israel, hitting several locations and injuring at least seven people, including a 72-year-old woman. This followed Israel’s longest-range airstrike, targeting a refueling plane at Iran’s Mashhad Airport, nearly 1400 miles away.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to confirm the assassination plot when asked during a Fox News interview. “There’s so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I’m not going to get into that,” Netanyahu said. “But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.”
The conflict started after Iran accused Israel of orchestrating car bomb attacks near government buildings in Tehran. Israel responded with airstrikes on Iranian targets, leading to three days of retaliatory strikes.
Israel’s missile defenses, supported by the U.S., have intercepted many Iranian missiles and drones. Yet some strikes have hit Israeli towns in the north and south, causing damage and injuries. Cities like Haifa suffered fires and injuries from shrapnel.
Human rights groups report over 400 killed and more than 650 injured in Iranian cities due to Israeli airstrikes. Many civilians fled Tehran as roads became congested. Israel’s shelters have been actively used for protection during air raids.
The Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation warnings in Tehran, advising people to avoid military sites amid rising violence.
Despite the violence, Trump expressed hope for peace. On Truth Social, he wrote, “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal. Just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using trade with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks. We will have peace, soon, between Israel and Iran.”
He added, “Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the people understand. Make the Middle East great again!”
