Assassination Option on the Table: Trump Open to Eliminating Mojtaba Khamenei via Israeli Execution

In a high-stakes diplomatic and military escalation, U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal on Monday, March 9, 2026, that President Donald Trump is open to the idea of assassinating Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. This drastic measure remains a viable option if the younger Khamenei refuses to comply with U.S. demands, primarily the total dismantling of Iran’s nuclear weapons program and accepting a peace deal on Washington’s terms.

Israel: The Lead Executioner of High-Value Targets Intelligence sources suggest that Israel is the primary candidate to carry out such an operation. Tel Aviv has taken a leading role in surgically targeting Iran's political and military elite since the onset of the conflict on February 28. When asked by CNN if Mojtaba Khamenei is a designated target, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar cryptically replied, "You will have to wait and see." This follows the successful Israeli airstrike that eliminated the elder Khamenei on the war's first day.

Trump’s Displeasure and the Policy of Neutralization President Trump has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the dynastic succession in Tehran, telling the New York Post, "I am not pleased." The Trump administration fears that the 56-year-old Mojtaba may be less inclined to negotiate than his predecessor, potentially prolonging the war. By keeping the assassination option open, the U.S. and Israel are sending a clear message: the new leadership in Tehran is not immune, and its survival depends entirely on its willingness to surrender its regional and nuclear ambitions.