Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to senior U.S. officials, amid mounting regional tensions and cross-border strikes between Israel and Iran.

Sources familiar with the situation told WafricNews that Israeli officials presented the opportunity to eliminate Khamenei during recent escalations, but the Trump administration communicated firm opposition to the move. The strike, which could have triggered a full-blown regional war, was ultimately not carried out.

“President Trump made it clear that he did not support the operation,” a U.S. official said, noting his focus on de-escalation and preventing American entanglement in another prolonged Middle East conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when questioned about the alleged plan by Fox News, dismissed the reports as false, saying, “There are so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I’m not going to get into that.” A spokesperson for his office went further, labeling the claims as “FAKE” in comments to CNN.

Despite heightened tensions, U.S. officials have emphasized a continued interest in pursuing diplomatic solutions with Iran, including the resumption of nuclear negotiations — though a planned round of talks in Oman was recently canceled.

While Israel continues to carry out military operations against Iranian-linked targets, U.S. involvement has so far remained limited to defensive support, including intercepting retaliatory strikes. Trump has publicly affirmed this position, stating: “We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved.”

Still, Israel has reportedly consulted Washington about potentially expanding America’s role. One Israeli official confirmed conversations had taken place but said they had not yet progressed to “practical” steps. White House insiders told WafricNews that while Trump’s team is wary of direct involvement, they have not objected to Israel’s timeline or strategy.

A message posted by Trump on Truth Social over the weekend underlined his red line: “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.” However, he also signaled openness to diplomacy, suggesting a deal between Israel and Iran is still possible.

For Trump, the stakes go beyond foreign policy. The former president has long presented himself as a global peacemaker and remains sensitive to the political costs of deeper U.S. involvement abroad — a stance rooted in his criticism of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

“Our military was dragged into nation-building crusades to nations that wanted nothing to do with us,” Trump said in a recent address to military cadets, reinforcing his aversion to interventionist policies.

Nevertheless, Republican voices like Senator Lindsey Graham have called for a tougher stance. “If diplomacy fails, going all in for Israel shows that America is back as a reliable ally,” Graham wrote on X.

Inside the White House, some advisers remain deeply skeptical of expanding U.S. military involvement. Trump, officials say, is acutely aware of the geopolitical risks — and the domestic political consequences — of being drawn into another Middle Eastern war.

As the Israeli operation continues, reportedly expected to last “weeks, not days,” the United States watches from the sidelines, quietly supporting Israel’s defensive posture while stopping short of joining the offensive.

“The U.S. is not directing Israel — we support its right to self-defense,” a senior official said. “But we still believe diplomacy with Iran is the best path forward.”


By WafricNews Desk.