Trump Weighs Military Options Against Iran's New Leader While Signaling Openness to Talks

Key Facts

1Trump reportedly told aides he would back the killing of new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if he doesn't cede to US demands.

2The White House has backed off listing 'regime change' as an official objective of Operation Epic Fury.

3Special envoy Steve Witkoff stated Trump is always willing to talk, even to the Iranians.

Reports indicate that President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to support military action against Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if U.S. demands are not met. These warnings emerge amid heightened regional tensions surrounding Operation Epic Fury, which focuses on Iran's nuclear capabilities. Despite the aggressive rhetoric, the White House has reportedly stepped back from listing 'regime change' as an official objective of the ongoing operation. Special envoy Steve Witkoff further noted that the administration remains willing to engage in negotiations, even with Iranian leadership. The combination of potential strikes and diplomatic openings has significantly increased geopolitical risk premiums in global markets. Market participants are closely monitoring these developments, as they directly impact safe-haven assets like gold and global energy benchmarks such as Brent and WTI.