Top Israeli Official: Reuters Report on U.S. Veto of Khamenei Strike Is “Fake of All Fakes”

In an interview with journalist Keren Marciano, The Israeli NSA Chief Tzachi Hanegbi sharply dismissed a Reuters report that President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader.

“That report is fake — fake of all fakes,” Hanegbi said. “We didn’t ask, and we’re not asking. The Americans make decisions based on their own interests.”

Hanegbi added that "no political leader is immune", though emphasized that targeting Iran’s top leadership was never Israel’s initial decision. “Right now that’s not the decision — but every moment can change within 60 seconds.”

Asked whether Israel is seeking regime change in Tehran, Hanegbi responded: “Any sane person in the world would be glad to see this cruel regime fall and be replaced. But that is not our goal. That’s not something you can accomplish kinetically. We’re not working to make it happen — but a weakened Iran that has lost its grip on the Shiite axis could very well lead to long-term regime instability.”

Regarding Iran’s attacks on Israel’s energy infrastructure, Hanegbi said: “They targeted our oil refineries. They know exactly where they’re aiming. And I want to be very clear — their oil and gas fields are not immune.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responding separately to the Reuters report, declined to confirm or deny its contents: “There are many false reports. I won’t get into this one. What I can say is — we will do what needs to be done.”

The remarks come amid a critical moment in Operation Rising Lion, Israel’s sweeping campaign aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.