A senior Israeli official stated Wednesday evening that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and that President Trump has three options regarding Iran: a diplomatic agreement, a siege, or resuming military strikes. The statement, reported by ynet, follows the official's earlier briefing that the decision on striking Iran rests with Trump.
A senior Israeli official later this evening outlined three specific options for President Trump regarding Iran: a diplomatic agreement, a naval or economic siege, or a resumption of military strikes. The official also confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, is alive—addressing a key question amid the leadership transition in Tehran. The statement, reported by ynet, follows the official's earlier briefing to political correspondents in Washington at 17:59 Jerusalem, in which he said the decision to strike Iran rests entirely with Trump and that all options remain on the table. In that earlier briefing, the official also said Israel aims to end its dependence on US security aid within a decade, transitioning from a recipient to a partner. The Zioneer reported that briefing at 17:59 and again at 18:01 Jerusalem, noting that the official emphasized all strategic options—from a diplomatic deal to a massive military operation—remain open as Israel awaits a final American determination.
This latest development comes amid a rapidly evolving diplomatic and military situation. As The Zioneer reported on June 11, Trump confirmed a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu as an Iran deal neared finalization, though Israeli officials expressed doubt about the framework's finality and noted that Mojtaba Khamenei had not yet formally approved the terms. On July 15, a senior US official said Trump discussed expanding strikes to Tehran and weighed a strategic bomber attack. Earlier this month, senior Israeli officials said Trump could order a strike at any moment, and on July 21, mediators were pushing for a new ceasefire as Trump reportedly weighed a return to broad war. The official's latest outline of three specific options provides the clearest picture yet of the menu before the president.
It remains unclear whether Trump has made a decision on which option to pursue, or if the siege option—which could involve naval and economic pressure—is a middle ground between diplomacy and full-scale military action. The official's identity was not disclosed, and the statement has not been confirmed by the White House or the Prime Minister's Office.
6 developments
- StrongIsraeli security sources: Iran leadership debating strike after Khamenei disappearance, Larijani killing
- DevelopingYoni Ben Menachem: Mojtaba Khamenei alive and in Iran, cabinet ministers informed
- StrongIsraeli security source: Iran plotted to assassinate Israeli figures in Tel Aviv; Khamenei not in Iran
- StrongIran's supreme leader likely to skip father's funeral, citing security fears
Source and signal
- Open-source intake