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Ex-US Ambassador Warns Trump May Target Iran’s Supreme Leader Amid Rising Tensions
Former US Ambassador to Israel warns Trump may attempt to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei. US fleet deployment in the Middle East could signal military escalation.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-19
Ex-US Ambassador Warns Trump May Target Iran’s Supreme Leader Amid Rising Tensions

Former United States Ambassador to Israel Don Shapiro has claimed that President Donald Trump may attempt to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the coming weeks, according to an Israeli media report.

Shapiro, who served as US ambassador under former President Barack Obama, made the remarks following recent statements by the Iranian Supreme Leader, who accused Trump of fomenting protests, violence, and killings inside Iran.

In an interview, Shapiro described Khamenei as “86 years old and a sick man,” suggesting that the timing could influence US considerations for targeting Iran’s leadership.

The former ambassador also noted that a significant US naval fleet is being deployed to the Middle East, which he said could serve dual purposes: facilitating a potential strike against Iran and preparing defensive measures in case of Iranian retaliation.

Shapiro further stated that the United States could conduct additional attacks on Iranian military forces, signaling a potential escalation in tensions between the two countries.

The warning comes amid a series of statements from Trump in which he has openly criticized the Iranian government and called for leadership change, while Iranian officials have condemned Trump for his involvement in the unrest and violence in the country.

The remarks by Shapiro have raised concerns in international circles about possible military escalation in the Gulf region and the stability of US-Iran relations.
Tagged:

Iran

Trump

MiddleEast

USMilitary

Khamenei
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