Kathmandu – Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly halted an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, international media sources have revealed. Israel had consulted with Trump after what they believed was an opportunity to eliminate Khamenei, but Trump firmly rejected the plan, according to a CNN report.
Trump directed Israel to withdraw from the assassination attempt, expressing that the U.S. did not want to be directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict. His decision was motivated by the need to prevent further regional escalation. Since Friday’s Israeli attack on Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been in regular contact with Trump. It was during one of these exchanges that the assassination plan was presented, which Trump declined. He instructed Israel not to kill Khamenei immediately and reiterated that America did not wish to become directly involved in the war.
Failed Diplomacy, Delayed Strike, and Sudden Escalation
Trump had hoped to revive talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program and had requested Israel to delay any attack. Two months prior, Israel had planned a targeted strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, but Trump asked for a two-month window to pursue diplomatic efforts. Israel agreed and temporarily halted its operation. Trump warned that if an agreement wasn’t reached within that time, Israel would be free to proceed. After five failed rounds of negotiations, Israel launched a surprise assault last Friday.
In the attack, Israel deployed around 200 fighter jets and used approximately 300 types of advanced weaponry. The strikes killed top Iranian military figures including IRGC commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief Major General Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC Aerospace Force commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters chief Gholam Ali Rashid. According to international reports, at least 20 senior military officials were killed.
The strikes severely disrupted Iran’s military leadership. In response, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour as the new IRGC commander. Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi was named the new Chief of the Army, while Ali Shadmani was appointed to lead the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.
Nuclear Scientists Targeted, Conflict Enters Fourth Day
The Israeli airstrike also killed leading Iranian nuclear scientists including Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Fereydoon Abbasi, and Mohammad Eslami. The operation has been code-named “Operation Lion” by Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has now entered its fourth day, with both sides continuing to launch military strikes. Israel has focused on Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities, while Iran has launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli military bases and airfields. After appearing subdued initially, Iran intensified its response starting Saturday, claiming to have used advanced missile technologies in its counterattacks. Both nations are now experiencing growing human and material losses as the conflict escalates further.
