Trump Issues Dire Warning to Iran Over Alleged Assassination Plot
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he has left explicit instructions for a massive military response against Iran if Tehran succeeds in a plan to assassinate him. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump emphasized that Iran has long considered him a target and that any successful attempt would trigger unprecedented retaliation.
"I've been on their list for a long time. That's what we're dealing with. The only thing is, I've left instructions -- if anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they've never seen before," Trump told the New York Post.
Trump Denies Israeli Intelligence Role
Trump refuted reports suggesting that Israeli intelligence had warned him about the alleged Iranian plot. He clarified that Israel had no role in the intelligence leading to his statement. "No, no. Israel came up with nothing. No, no, I've been No. 1 [on Iran's kill list] for a long time, and it's the way life is, you know," Trump said, as reported by the New York Post.
Context: Khamenei's Funeral and US-Iran Tensions
Trump's remarks come shortly after the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was laid to rest at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad early Friday morning. Khamenei was killed 131 days earlier in joint US-Israel strikes on Iran. The assassination plot allegations have escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran.
US Agrees to Continue Talks but Declares Ceasefire Over
In a separate statement on Truth Social, Trump announced that the United States has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran following Tehran's request. However, he reiterated that the ceasefire between the two sides is effectively over. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!" Trump posted.
Qatari Mediation Efforts
Trump's comments coincide with Qatari negotiators traveling to Iran in an attempt to ease tensions and revive US-Iran talks. The development underscores the fragile state of diplomacy amid heightened military rhetoric.
