Israel, US May Plan to Assassinate Iran's New Supreme Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei considered unwilling to make concessions, report says

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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According to current and former U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal, Israel, with U.S. support, may be planning to assassinate Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is seen as a hardline politician unwilling to make concessions to the U.S.

Why it matters

The potential assassination of Iran's supreme leader would mark a major escalation in tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with significant geopolitical and security implications in the region. Khamenei's unwillingness to compromise on issues like Iran's nuclear program is a key concern for the U.S. and its allies.

The details

The Wall Street Journal report states that former U.S. President Donald Trump told his advisers he would support the idea of eliminating Mojtaba Khamenei if he was not prepared to make concessions to the U.S., particularly on abandoning Iran's nuclear program. Washington views Khamenei as a hardline politician who is unlikely to negotiate with the U.S. on terms favorable to the U.S.

  • Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran's new supreme leader in 2026.

The players

Mojtaba Khamenei

The new supreme leader of Iran, considered a hardline politician unwilling to make concessions to the U.S.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who reportedly told his advisers he would support the idea of eliminating Mojtaba Khamenei if he was not prepared to make concessions to the U.S.

The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. newspaper that reported on the potential assassination plan, citing current and former U.S. officials.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The potential assassination of Iran's supreme leader would mark a dangerous escalation in tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with significant geopolitical and security implications in the region. It highlights the ongoing challenges in negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program and other strategic interests.