Senior U.S. officials told CNN that over the weekend, Israel had a window of opportunity to strike Khamenei but the U.S., through back-channel communications, informed Israeli leadership that President Trump opposed the plan. Trump reportedly feared that such an operation could ignite a full-scale war in the Middle East and wanted to de-escalate the situation instead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly confirm or deny the report during an interview with Fox News. He stated only, “There are many reports about conversations that never happened, and I will not comment on that.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Netanyahu told CNN that the reports of Trump rejecting an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei were "not true."

CNN also cited multiple sources claiming that Israel had initiated discussions with Washington regarding the potential for deeper U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran. However, Israeli officials confirmed that those talks had not progressed to any detailed planning stage.

While Trump appears committed to avoiding direct involvement in the escalating hostilities, members of his administration acknowledged that American military support could accelerate Israel's strategic objectives. In an interview with ABC on Sunday morning, Trump stated, “We’re not involved. There’s a possibility we might become involved, but as of now, we’re not.”

The developments highlight growing tensions not only between Israel and Iran, but also the complex diplomatic balancing act facing Washington as it tries to contain a potential regional war.

https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2864721