Trump Links Khamenei's Death to Assassination Attempts

Donald Trump stated that he approved the attack that caused the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, linking the action to previous assassination attempts against him.

Trump told ABC News that the attack was a strategic blow against the Iranian regime and a personal dispensation of justice. Federal prosecutors revealed charges against individuals allegedly acting on behalf of the Revolutionary Guards who attempted to monitor and assassinate Trump.

One case involved Farhad Shakeri, who, according to authorities, was directed by Iranians to monitor Trump's movements. In a separate case, Asif Merchad was charged in another assassination plot linked to Iran.

U.S. officials had warned that Iran had vowed revenge after Trump's order for the 2020 drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani.

Trump's statements suggest he sees Khamenei's death as the culmination of a protracted war.