Iran’s Plot to Assassinate Trump and Other US Leaders, Officials Report

U.S. officials have reported that Iran is actively pursuing plans to assassinate former President Donald Trump, as well as members of his administration. This information has been disclosed following the recent briefing Trump received from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where he was made aware of specific threats posed by Tehran.

Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota and a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that while there wasn’t concrete evidence to link Iran to the alleged assassination attempts against Trump, there is a clear indication of Iran’s intentions. Rounds mentioned that if possible, Iran would attempt to carry out such attacks, which also extend to other high-ranking officials.

Sean Savett, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, corroborated the threats made by Iran, confirming that monitoring these threats against Trump and former administration officials has been ongoing for years, dating back to the previous administration. The root of these threats stems from Iran’s anger over the U.S. assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a drone strike authorized by Trump in 2020.

Though Iran has denied any ambitions to assassinate U.S. officials, the Justice Department has been involved in multiple investigations regarding plot attempts, including those against former National Security Advisor John Bolton. This sentiment of revenge from Iran has been expressed publicly by U.S. officials since Soleimani’s death.

Trump took to social media recently to address the threats against his life, stating that there have been significant moves made by Iran that have failed, but the risk remains ongoing. He expressed gratitude to Congress for approving increased funding for his Secret Service protection detail, noting the importance of bipartisan support in such matters.

Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, added that the Trump campaign has been informed of credible and specific threats, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and stating that they are not being exaggerated. The severity of these threats comes in the wake of a recent Justice Department charge against a Pakistani national allegedly connected to Iran, who was accused of plotting to assassinate a U.S. politician or government official.

Concerns about Trump’s safety heightened in July, when reports emerged that the Secret Service had taken additional precautions in response to fears of an Iranian plot. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence acknowledged that Trump was briefed but did not provide specific details regarding the threats.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also commented on the situation, confirming that the U.S. government is monitoring ongoing threats posed by Iran against various senior officials, particularly former officials like Trump and current members of the administration.

Rubio further emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling Iran’s threats against Trump the most significant foreign threat faced by an American leader in history. He referenced a video released by the Iranian regime in early 2022, which depicted a fictional plot to assassinate Trump as retaliation for Soleimani’s death, labeling it a stark example of election interference.

Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, did not confirm if he had been briefed on the specific information received by the Trump campaign but noted that his committee has been regularly updated by the FBI concerning Iranian threats against Trump. He reiterated that the Iranian regime remains focused on avenging Soleimani’s death against several current and former U.S. officials.

The situation remains tense and complex as the country navigates the implications of these threats and the potential consequences for national security.

Source: USA TODAY