US Intelligence Warned Trump Killing Khamenei Would Strengthen Iran's Regime

Days before the military campaign against Iran began, top US intelligence officials warned President Donald Trump that assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would not topple the regime but likely strengthen it. According to an extensive Wall Street Journal investigation, during critical discussions leading up to the February 28 offensive, US intelligence leaders presented a clear assessment that eliminating Iran's top leader would probably result in a more extreme and hardline government.

At a pivotal meeting in the White House's Oval Office, then-National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard conveyed that a successor regime would be more committed to acquiring nuclear weapons, immediately block the Strait of Hormuz, and attack US military bases in the region. Pentagon officials also cautioned about potential US casualties and ammunition depletion. Despite these warnings, Trump sided with defense officials who argued Iran was at a historic low and approved the military plans.

These internal US intelligence warnings aligned with Iranian officials' repeated threats that any direct attack would prompt the immediate closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt global energy supplies. International experts also warned that a broad strike would accelerate Tehran's nuclear weapons program as a "survival insurance" for the regime.

The Wall Street Journal report confirms these intelligence predictions came true. Although Israel assassinated Ali Khamenei shortly after the war began, the regime did not collapse. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed leadership, while the Revolutionary Guards tightened control and continued attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.