Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denied allegations that his government plans to assassinate United States President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in New York on Sept. 28, 2026. Pezeshkian visited under the protection of the US Secret Service while leading a nation engaged in an active conflict with the United States, following an address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Pezeshkian Denies Assassination Plots in New York Briefing
During a press briefing at the Millennium Hilton Hotel near UN headquarters, Pezeshkian addressed reporters about regional warfare, nuclear policies, and domestic political opposition. When questioned about security threats directed at the White House, the Iranian leader rejected the accusation entirely.
“Never has it been the position of the Iranian government, openly or hidden, to try to assassinate Trump or members of his family,” Pezeshkian said.
US authorities hold a different assessment. Last month, the US Secret Service confirmed it reviewed a state-run Iranian television broadcast that appeared to threaten Barron Trump, the president's youngest son. Israel subsequently shared intelligence with Washington indicating Iran had actively designed plans to kill Donald Trump.
Hardline Iranian media frequently feature content threatening Trump and his family. During the July funeral proceedings for the late Supreme Leader, regime loyalists carried placards bearing the phrase “Kill Trump.” Addressing the ongoing threats publicly in July, Trump remarked, “I’m on any list … so far, I think I’m a little bit lucky, but maybe that doesn’t last very long. They are sick, demented people.”
White House Responds to Iranian Leadership Claims
The White House dismissed Pezeshkian’s denials, pointing to Tehran’s record of regional violence and domestic repression. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly outlined the administration’s stance on the regime.
“The Iranian regime has killed thousands of its own people, murdered Americans abroad, carried out acts of terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz, and launched indiscriminate attacks against its neighbors in the region,” Kelly stated. “The president has bravely ensured that a regime like that will never have a nuclear weapon, which will make the entire world safer and more stable.”
Pezeshkian’s New York remarks also touched on the status of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been the Supreme Leader. Pezeshkian reported meeting with the new Supreme Leader roughly one month prior for a seven-hour session, describing him as “quite healthy” with no noticeable physical ailments.
Frequently Asked Questions About US-Iran Security Tensions
What did President Pezeshkian say about Donald Trump?
Pezeshkian stated during a New York press briefing that the Iranian government has never pursued an official policy, either openly or covertly, to assassinate Donald Trump or members of his family.
Why was Pezeshkian in the United States?
The Iranian leader traveled to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly and subsequently held a press conference at the Millennium Hilton Hotel under the protection of the US Secret Service.
What are the official US accusations against Iran regarding Donald Trump?
US intelligence and Secret Service officials have reviewed state media broadcasts and intelligence shared by Israel concerning ongoing threats to the president and his family.