Report: Trump Was Warned Killing Khamenei Could Bring a More Extreme Iranian Leadership

The Wall Street Journal published a critical report overnight Monday into Tuesday on the conduct of U.S. President Donald Trump and his decision to go to war with Iran. The report said Trump was warned about the consequences before the war began, but ignored recommendations against taking certain steps that would not be beneficial.

According to the report, just days before the war began, then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard asked whether a large-scale attack on Iran was the right move. Gabbard presented Trump with intelligence assessments indicating that killing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, could lead to the rise of an even more extreme leadership. She also warned that Tehran could close the Strait of Hormuz, disrupt the global energy market, and attack American forces and Washington’s allies in the Middle East.

In addition, senior U.S. military officials warned of casualties, depleted ammunition stockpiles, and damage to the readiness of a military force already operating under significant strain. Vice President J.D. Vance also supported exhausting diplomatic options and continuing economic pressure. He believed that if negotiations failed, the United States would have legitimacy to launch military action.

On the other hand, several senior Trump administration officials and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu portrayed Iran as being at its weakest point in decades, and as an opportunity to strike its nuclear program and even destabilize the regime. Trump listened to the arguments, but ultimately was persuaded by the military options presented to him by the Pentagon.

The report’s authors argue that the ongoing war is evidence of the Trump administration’s difficulty in translating its military achievements into a political settlement. According to the report, the Revolutionary Guards continue to control the country, and the regime led by Mojtaba Khamenei shows no signs of surrender.

In response to the report, the White House said that "President Trump has severely damaged Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities and is now preparing to exert decisive economic pressure through a naval blockade and sanctions. The president will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons."