President Donald Trump has intervened to prevent an Israeli operation that targeted Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The revelation comes amid escalating tensions between the two Middle Eastern powers following Israel's recent military strikes against Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

According to the Washington Examiner, Israel had informed Trump about what they described as a "credible" opportunity to eliminate the Iranian leader, but the president rejected the proposal during discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Multiple U.S. officials confirmed the exchange to various news outlets on Sunday.

The decision reflects the Trump administration's preference for diplomatic solutions over military escalation in the ongoing conflict. This approach stands in contrast to calls from some lawmakers who have advocated for more aggressive action against Iran.

Diplomatic push underway

Trump publicly announced on Sunday that negotiations to resolve the Israel-Iran conflict are currently in progress. He expressed optimism about the prospects for peace in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! 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!" Trump wrote, just hours after stating that he could "easily get a deal done" to end the "bloody conflict."

The president's diplomatic efforts come as world leaders prepare to gather in Canada for the G7 summit, where the Middle East situation is expected to be a significant topic of discussion among global economic powers.

Netanyahu remains evasive

When questioned about Trump's alleged veto of the assassination plan during a Fox News interview with Bret Baier on Sunday, Netanyahu avoided directly addressing the claim.

"I'm not going to get into that," the Israeli prime minister responded. "But I can tell you I think we do what we need to do. We will do what we need to do, and I think the United States knows what is good for the United States and I'm just not going to get into it."

During the same interview, Netanyahu emphasized that Iran considers Trump "enemy No. 1," referencing an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the president before his reelection last year—a stark reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the region.

Concerns about regional stability

The Trump administration's decision to block the assassination plan appears driven by concerns that such an action could dramatically escalate tensions and further destabilize the Middle East.

Killing Iran's supreme leader would likely trigger significant retaliation from Tehran and its regional proxies, potentially drawing the United States more directly into the conflict. Some administration officials reportedly fear such an action could spark a wider regional war.

Senator Lindsey Graham and other lawmakers have advocated for more aggressive measures against Iran, with Graham specifically urging for the "annihilation" of Iran's nuclear program if diplomatic efforts fail. However, the White House has maintained its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.

Peace efforts intensify

The revelation about Trump's intervention comes at a critical juncture as Israeli military operations against Iran have intensified in recent weeks, including a strike that reportedly killed Iran's military intelligence chief and deputy.

Trump's push for a peace deal represents a significant diplomatic gamble that could reshape Middle East politics if successful. The president has positioned himself as a dealmaker capable of resolving one of the world's most intractable conflicts.

As G7 leaders convene in Canada this week, the Israel-Iran situation will likely feature prominently in discussions, providing Trump an international platform to advance his peace initiative while navigating the complex web of alliances and interests that define Middle East politics.