New Delhi/Washington: US President Donald Trump has claimed that he has already issued instructions for a strong response against Iran if he is assassinated, amid reports of fresh intelligence suggesting an alleged Iranian plot targeting him. The remarks have intensified attention on security concerns surrounding the US President and heightened tensions in the region.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said he has been a target of Iran for a long time and warned that any attack on him would trigger an unprecedented response.
“If something happens to me, Iran will face consequences unlike anything it has seen before,” Trump said, adding that he takes the threat against him seriously.
According to media reports, Israeli intelligence agencies have shared information with the United States alleging that Iran is working on a new assassination plot targeting Trump. Following those reports, Trump publicly stated that he remains on what he described as Iran’s “kill list.”
However, US intelligence agencies have not independently confirmed the alleged assassination plot.
The White House referred to remarks Trump made during the recent NATO summit, where he said he believed he was at the top of Iran’s alleged target list. He also noted that serving as President inherently carries significant security risks but maintained that he would continue to pursue policies he believes are in America’s national interest.
Reports indicate that US intelligence agencies are closely monitoring individuals suspected of discussing potential attacks against current and former American officials. At the same time, some US officials have reportedly suggested that the intelligence shared by Israel could also be part of broader efforts to influence Washington’s policy toward Iran.
Media reports further said Trump held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the two leaders discussed regional security and strategic coordination. Netanyahu’s office said the conversation also covered the security situation in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that eight individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged plot involving a drone and sniper attack during a UFC event attended by Trump at the White House in June. Prosecutors allege the suspects began acquiring weapons, ammunition, drones, explosives, body armour and communication equipment as early as May. The accused face terrorism-related and conspiracy to commit murder charges.
The developments come amid continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, although the allegations regarding the reported Iranian plot have not been independently verified by US authorities.
