Trump Rejects Israeli Plan to Assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader

US President Donald Trump has firmly opposed an Israeli initiative to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to reports by CNN. This decision comes amidst an ongoing cycle of retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran.

During the weekend, an unnamed senior US official disclosed to CNN that Israeli forces had a window of opportunity to target Iran's supreme leader. However, the US conveyed to Israel that President Trump did not support this plan, which subsequently led to the proposal being set aside. President Trump is reportedly keen on de-escalating the conflict, wary of getting entangled in another prolonged Middle Eastern war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the reports, labeling them as 'fake news,' and declined to elaborate further.

Despite escalating hostilities, US administration officials have expressed willingness to continue nuclear negotiations with Iran, hoping to find a peaceful resolution against all odds. Sources indicate ongoing dialogues regarding increased US involvement; however, these discussions have yet to evolve into concrete plans.

President Trump remains determined to sidestep a protracted conflict that could further unsettle the Middle East. Nevertheless, some in his administration acknowledge that American military aid might hasten Israel's strategic goals. Trump has asserted that while the US is currently offering defensive support to Israel, it has not engaged militarily in dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities, resisting pressures from fellow Republicans.

Trump aspires to position himself as a global peacemaker, aiming to resolve international conflicts, including tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East, as reported by CNN.

(With inputs from agencies.)