Trump Opens the Pandora’s Box of Assassination
The Atlantic
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The recent assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel marks a historic shift, as it is the first time in decades that Washington has targeted a foreign leader directly. This move breaks a long-standing taboo set by Executive Order 11905, signed by President Gerald Ford in 1976, which banned political assassinations. Ford was deeply affected by the John F. Kennedy assassination and sought to prevent such actions after learning about failed CIA plots to kill foreign leaders like Fidel Castro. His efforts led to the Rockefeller Commission and culminated in the executive order, which remained in place until its recent repeal under President Trump.
The decision to assassinate Khamenei is a significant departure from decades of U.S. policy that sought to avoid such actions due to moral, political, and logistical concerns. Ford’s signing of Executive Order 11905 was influenced by his involvement in the Warren Commission investigating JFK’s assassination, which left him with a deep aversion to state-sponsored killings. His successor, Jimmy Carter, expanded this ban further, ensuring that no U.S. government employee could engage in or conspire to assassinate foreign leaders.
Despite these prohibitions, U.S. presidents have occasionally considered bypassing the ban under the guise of national security. For instance, Ronald Reagan attempted to kill Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi through military strikes but failed. The recent assassination of Khamenei raises questions about whether this action reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy toward regime change and direct targeting of foreign leaders.
This development is significant for several reasons. It undermines the credibility of democratic norms by reverting to practices that were widely condemned during the Cold War. Additionally, it sets a dangerous precedent for international relations, as state-sponsored assassinations could escalate tensions and destabilize global security. The decision also raises concerns about the erosion of ethical standards in U.S. foreign policy and its long-term implications for international trust in American leadership.
For readers interested in politics, this story highlights the ongoing tension between geopolitical strategy and moral diplomacy, as well as the potential consequences of abandoning established norms to achieve short-term objectives. It underscores the importance of adhering to international laws and ethical considerations in addressing global conflicts.
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 3/3/2026