Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that any attempt to assassinate him would be met with an overwhelming response. In an interview, Trump asserted that he has given explicit instructions for a devastating retaliation against Iran should such a threat be carried out.
Trump emphasized the severity of the potential response, saying, “The United States will retaliate against the entirety of Iran if they follow through with their threats… Their country will be utterly destroyed. I will strike them with a force beyond doubt.”
He also criticized his successor, President Joe Biden, for not adequately defending him against perceived threats from Iran. Trump stated, “The President should have defended me then… I will respond decisively, even if the threats are directed at any American citizen, even if they are not the President.”
These comments come amidst heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, particularly following widespread protests in Iran last year sparked by economic grievances. Trump has previously condemned the Iranian government’s handling of the protests and called for an end to the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Trump had earlier posted on social media, urging Iranians to continue protesting and take control of their institutions. The U.S. Justice Department announced in November 2024 that the FBI had thwarted an Iranian assassination attempt against Trump just weeks before the election. Officials described the attempt as part of Tehran’s ongoing efforts to target U.S. government officials, including the former President, on American soil.
This is a developing story.
