WEB DESK: A high-stakes phone call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu just days before a major military operation against Iran played a critical role in shaping the course of events, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Intelligence reports had indicated that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with senior officials, was expected to gather at a secure location in Tehran. This created what officials described as a rare opportunity for a “decapitation strike” a targeted operation aimed at eliminating top leadership.
During the call, Netanyahu reportedly emphasized that such an opportunity might not arise again, urging decisive action. He also referenced alleged Iranian plots against Trump, including a previously reported assassination attempt, as justification for a stronger response.
Although Trump had already approved the concept of military action, the timing and scale of U.S. involvement were still under consideration. The conversation with Netanyahu is believed by some insiders to have influenced the final decision to proceed.
Shortly thereafter, the United States launched a coordinated military campaign, reportedly named Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian infrastructure. The first strikes began on February 28, followed by Trump’s announcement that Khamenei had been killed.
In response, the White House stated that the objective of the operation was to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities, weaken its naval forces, and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Officials avoided commenting directly on the details of the Trump-Netanyahu conversation.
Netanyahu later dismissed claims that Israel pressured Washington into the conflict, insisting that the decision ultimately rested with Trump.
The roots of the operation trace back months earlier. Following unsuccessful diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear program, both the U.S. and Israel intensified military coordination. Earlier strikes in June had already targeted Iranian nuclear and missile facilities, setting the stage for further escalation.
Israeli officials had long advocated for eliminating Khamenei, viewing him as a central figure behind regional instability and support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Several factors contributed to Trump’s eventual decision. These included intelligence assessments of Iran’s growing missile capabilities, internal unrest within Iran, and the belief that a decisive strike could potentially reshape the country’s leadership.
However, not all U.S. agencies shared this optimism. Analysts within the Central Intelligence Agency warned that removing Khamenei could lead to the rise of an even more hardline successor rather than meaningful political change.
The aftermath of the strikes has been severe. Iran launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. assets and regional allies, while global energy markets were shaken due to disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of casualties have been reported, and oil prices have surged sharply.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, signaling continuity in its political direction despite the dramatic escalation.
The situation remains volatile, with the region facing one of its most dangerous periods in recent history.
