President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran over the weekend, threatening total destruction if the regime attempts to assassinate him—threats that have intensified during nuclear negotiations and especially after the collapse of talks and massive U.S. strikes in southern Iran.
“1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the Globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added: “Orders have already been given, and the U.S. Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran.” Trump ended with a jab at the Iranians, signing off with the Islamic phrase “PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!”
Shortly after Trump’s threats, Iran’s terror regime issued its own official warning. Though he hasn’t been seen publicly since the initial Operation Roaring Lion strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba released an official letter marking the end of his father’s funeral. It’s another message supposedly written by the younger Khamenei, though no international body has confirmed whether the successor is still alive.
“We pledge to avenge your blood and the blood of all those killed in both wars. This revenge is the will of our nation and must happen soon,” Mojtaba’s message read. “Revenge is our people’s demand, and it must be realized. These criminals, whose names are recorded from first to last, will take to their graves the wish to die peacefully in their beds. They should know this matter does not depend on my presence or the presence of other senior officials. Whether we are here or not, it will happen, and soon. Free people from all over the world will each fulfill their part in this divine mission.”
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Israel shared intelligence with the U.S. about a new Iranian plot to assassinate Trump. The president himself has addressed the threats openly during his visit to Ankara, saying: “They want to eliminate the leader of the United States—me. I’m on every list. I saw this morning that I’m on every one of their lists. So far, I guess I’ve had a little luck, but maybe that won’t last much longer.” Trump’s repeated references to being an Iranian target may signal how seriously Washington is taking these reports and threats.
Photo: Tasnim News Agency, image edited in accordance with CC BY 4.0 license
Meanwhile—Efforts to Cool Tensions Continue
Throughout the weekend, mediating countries Qatar and Pakistan continued efforts to “lower the flames” and return to diplomatic channels. According to Reuters, a Qatari mediation delegation arrived in Iran last night to discuss de-escalation and creating conditions for continued negotiations with the U.S.
CNN later reported that two sources in Jerusalem claim the Trump administration doesn’t want Israel joining the fight now—fearing loss of control over the conflict. At the same time, senior American officials briefed that the U.S. is demanding Iran declare “today” that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to traffic and that they’re stopping the firing—or face “severe consequences.” The officials also said there’s growing pessimism in the administration about reaching a nuclear deal with the Iranian regime.
Later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi released a statement saying “Iran has stood by its commitments so far, unlike the American Treasury Secretary, who is violating Article 9 of the memorandum of understanding. This violation joins a long list of violations and wrong steps by the U.S.” Shortly after, Araghchi arrived for a visit in Oman. Meanwhile, Trump spoke overnight with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.