Trump Claims Saved Iran Supreme Leader From Assassination

President Donald Trump claimed that he saved Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from a fatal Israeli airstrike during the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, asserting he personally intervened to prevent Khamenei's assassination. Trump criticized Khamenei for publicly declaring victory over the U.S. and Israel, calling it a lie, and expressed frustration at Iran's lack of gratitude for his actions. He detailed how he pressured Israel to recall planes that were en route to Tehran for what he described as the largest attack of the war, which would have caused tremendous damage and loss of life. Trump also revealed that he had been working on sanction relief for Iran but dropped those efforts following Khamenei's hostile statements. Furthermore, Trump threatened additional bombings if Iran continues its nuclear program and urged Tehran to return to negotiations, while Iran's leadership rejected claims of imminent talks resuming. Israeli officials downplayed the U.S. role in protecting Khamenei, stating they did not require U.S. approval for targeting him and that Khamenei had gone underground during the conflict.