Trump Dismisses Israeli Proposal to Target Iranian Supreme Leader, According to US Officials

President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to an Israeli strategy aimed at assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to two sources. As tensions escalate with ongoing retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran, Trump is making it clear he prefers to keep the United States uninvolved for now. Over the weekend, a senior U.S. official reported to CNN that Israel had the chance to eliminate Khamenei, but was informed of Trump’s disapproval, leading to the plan's abandonment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, dismissed these claims as “fake,” reiterating the prevalence of misleading reports. Amidst this volatile situation, administration officials remain open to persisting nuclear negotiations with Iran, aiming for a diplomatic resolution. Although U.S. support has been mainly defensive, Trump cautioned that direct involvement hinges on U.S. personnel or interests being threatened. As challenges arise in achieving peace amid this complex backdrop, Trump grapples with the broader implications of military entanglement in the region.