President Donald Trump warns Iran of severe consequences if they attempt to assassinate him, reigniting tensions between the two nations.
At a Glance
- Trump instructs advisers to “obliterate” Iran if they attempt to assassinate him
- The warning comes in response to threats following the 2020 killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani
- Justice Department thwarted an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump before the Presidential Election
- Trump criticizes President Biden for not issuing a strong enough response to the assassination threat
- Trump signs Executive Order to restore “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran
Trump’s Stern Warning to Iran
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that he has left instructions for a devastating response if they attempt to assassinate him. The President’s remarks come in the wake of ongoing threats from Iran and its proxies, stemming from the 2020 killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani during Trump’s Presidency.
Trump’s forceful stance was highlighted in recent statements where he emphasized the severity of potential consequences for Iran. “Well, they haven’t done that (attempt to assassinate him). And that would be a terrible thing for them to do, not because of me. If they did that, they would be obliterated. That would be the end,” Trump said.
Thwarted Assassination Plot
The Justice Department has confirmed that it successfully thwarted an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump before the Presidential Election. A criminal complaint revealed that an Iranian official tasked Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national in Iran, with surveilling and planning Trump’s assassination. Shakeri, who was previously deported from the U.S. after serving time for robbery, is believed to be in Iran and has not been apprehended.
“I’ve left instructions. If they do it, they get obliterated. There won’t be anything left. And they shouldn’t be able to do it,” Trump said.
This revelation underscores the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as the serious nature of the threats faced by high-profile American officials.
Trump’s Criticism of Biden Administration
Trump has not hesitated to criticize the previous administration’s handling of the Iranian threat. He expressed disappointment in former President Biden’s response to the assassination threat, suggesting that Biden should have taken a stronger stance. “Biden should have said that, but he never did. I don’t know why. Lack of intelligence, perhaps. But he never said it,” Trump remarked.
The President’s comments highlight the stark difference in approach between his administration and the previous one when it comes to dealing with Iran. Trump’s aggressive stance contrasts with what he perceives as a lack of forceful response from the Biden administration.
Renewed “Maximum Pressure” Campaign
Trump also signed an Executive Order to restore a “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran. This decision stems from ongoing concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities and its potential threat to regional stability.
“I’m signing this, and it’s a very powerful document, but hopefully we’re not going to have to use it,” Trump stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation while expressing hope for a peaceful resolution.
The renewed pressure campaign represents a continuation of Trump’s hardline approach to Iran, which characterized his foreign policy during his presidency. It remains to be seen how this will impact the already strained relationship between the two nations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
