Exclusive-Trump approved Iran operation after Netanyahu argued for joint killing of Khamenei, sources say

Key Points:

• Less than 48 hours before the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, Prime Minister Netanyahu persuaded President Trump in a phone call to proceed with a "decapitation strike" targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, citing a rare intelligence window and alleged assassination plots against Trump.
• The joint operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, began on February 28 with strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile sites, aiming to dismantle Iran's military capabilities and prevent nuclear weapon development, with Trump announcing Khamenei's death that evening.
• Despite Trump's earlier public stance against war with Iran, intelligence briefings, escalating protests in Iran, and Netanyahu's persistent advocacy influenced the decision to strike, with U.S. and Israeli forces conducting coordinated planning and operations.
• The attack has led to significant regional instability, including Iranian counterattacks causing U.S. and allied casualties, disruptions to global shipping routes, and soaring oil prices, while Iran appointed Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as the new supreme leader, signaling continued hardline rule.
• Netanyahu denied claims that Israel forced the U.S. into conflict, emphasizing Trump’s independent decision-making, though sources indicate Netanyahu’s arguments and timing of intelligence were pivotal in Trump's final approval of the military action.