Reports have emerged that Donald Trump has told senior advisers he would support the killing of Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, if Tehran refuses to comply with U.S. demands.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. president made the remark during private discussions with aides as tensions continue to escalate between Washington and Tehran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The newspaper said Trump told advisers he would back the killing of Khamenei if the Iranian leader refused to make key concessions sought by the United States.
Among the demands reportedly being pushed by Washington are a halt to Iran’s nuclear development programme and other strategic concessions related to regional security.
The report quoted Trump as saying: “I’m not going through this to end up with another Khamenei,” suggesting the comment was made during internal strategy discussions.
The remarks have not been officially confirmed by the White House.
Foreign policy analysts warn that public or private endorsement of the killing of a foreign head of state could provoke retaliatory actions from Tehran and further destabilise the region.
The development comes amid rising hostilities in the Middle East, including missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries and energy infrastructure.
U.S. allies, including members of NATO, have historically urged restraint and adherence to international law during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.
Diplomatic sources say such remarks could trigger urgent consultations among allied governments concerned about the risk of further escalation.
Security analysts also warn that heightened tensions could increase risks around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Any escalation in the confrontation between the United States and Iran could disrupt global energy flows and add pressure to already volatile oil markets.
The situation continues to develop as international observers closely monitor responses from Tehran and Washington.
