Axios: Pentagon advisers float targeting Khamenei as Trump weights Iran options

Senior advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump have presented him with a range of military options on Iran, including scenarios that involve targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, according to sources familiar with internal discussions.

An adviser speaking anonymously told Axios that the Pentagon had outlined multiple contingency plans.

"They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs," the adviser said, referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, who is widely seen as a potential successor. "What the president chooses no one knows. I don't think he knows."

A second source confirmed that a plan to kill Khamenei and his son had been floated to Trump several weeks ago.

Another senior Trump adviser underscored the uncertainty surrounding the president’s decision-making process.

"Trump is keeping his options open. He could decide on an attack at any moment."

At the same time, diplomatic channels appear to remain open. A senior U.S. official told Axios that the administration is prepared to consider a proposal allowing Iran "token" nuclear enrichment, provided it leaves no possible pathway to developing a nuclear weapon.

Public positions from Washington and Tehran have appeared fundamentally at odds. However, recent comments from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the senior U.S. official suggest there may still be limited room for negotiation.

Iran is not currently enriching uranium after centrifuges at its nuclear facilities were largely destroyed by airstrikes last June. The United States and Israel have warned they would carry out further strikes if enrichment activities resume.

Khamenei has been unequivocal that Iran will not relinquish what it describes as its right to uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. Trump, for his part, has repeatedly stated — including last week — that he does not want Iran to retain the ability to enrich uranium.

By Sabina Mammadli