Trump Vetoed Israeli Plan to Kill Iran's Supreme Leader Amid Escalating Conflict

U.S. officials disclosed that President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to worsen. The revelation came as world leaders gathered in Calgary, Canada, for a G7 summit, where the Middle East conflict is expected to dominate the agenda. The Trump administration has emphasized its intent to limit Israel's actions to degrading Iran's nuclear weapons program, rather than pursuing a wider regional war.

Key Takeaways:

• The Israeli plan to kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was briefed to the Trump administration but was refused approval.
• A senior US administration official stated that the United States would not take action against Iran's political leadership until the Iranians had killed an American.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed the plan during a TV interview, stating that Israel would do what it needs to do.
• The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in at least 13 people killed and more than 370 injured in Israel, including 9 seriously.
• Israel widened its strikes against Iran, including bombing an Iranian refueling plane at Mashhad airport in north-east Iran almost 1,500 miles from Israel.
• The UK has so far opted not to evacuate its embassy staff in the Iranian capital, despite direct threats to British assets in the Middle East.
• Five car bombs rocked Tehran, and Iranian officials blamed the blasts on an Israeli attack, later dubbed "Beepers 2.0".

Statistics:

• At least 13 people have been killed in Israel since Iran launched its retaliatory strikes against Israel.
• More than 370 people have been injured in Israel, including 9 seriously.
• Iran launched its retaliatory strikes against Israel, targeting residential areas, fuel depots, and ministries.
• Israel expended its strikes, including a bombing operation in north-east Iran almost 1,500 miles from Israel.

Sources:

• Rob Crilly in Calgary, Joe Barnes in Brussels, and Melanie Swan in Jerusalem; Donald Trump; Benjamin Netanyahu; Iranian officials.