President Donald Trump stated he preempted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in US-Israel strikes, claiming the slain Iranian Supreme Leader plotted his assassination twice in 2024.
Assassination Plot Context
US intelligence linked Iran to two attempts: a July rally shooting grazing Trump’s ear and a September incident at his West Palm Beach golf course where a rifle was aimed at him. Afghan national Farhad Shakeri, an alleged IRGC asset deported in 2008, faced charges for the plot, though Iran denied involvement.
Trump’s Reaction
In a call with ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Trump said, “I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well I got him first.” On Truth Social, he called Khamenei one of history’s most evil figures, crediting US-Israel intelligence for the strike that also killed senior commanders and urging Iranians to topple the regime.
Broader Conflict
The strikes degraded Iran’s missile and nuclear sites amid retaliation barrages on US bases and Gulf allies. Trump sees it as Iran’s “greatest chance” for change under a leadership council.
