President Donald Trump has issued instructions for the U.S. to “literally bomb” Iran at levels they’ve never seen before if the country succeeds in assassinating him. The warning follows reports of Iranian plots and a surge in hostilities, including U.S. strikes across Iran and the removal of oil sanction waivers after Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Responds to Iranian Assassination Threats
President Trump told the New York Post on Friday that he has been “No. 1” on Iran’s kill list for a long time. While he dismissed reports of a “fresh” plot, he confirmed he has set a specific military trigger: if he is assassinated, the U.S. response will be to bomb Iran at levels they have never seen before.
The president’s comments follow a period of heightened volatility. According to the Wall Street Journal, Israel shared intelligence with the Trump administration regarding a new Iranian plot to target the president. While Trump told the New York Post that “Israel came up with nothing,” CNN reported that the shared intel was unspecified, focusing on the desire of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Ahmad Vahidi to see Trump dead rather than a formalized plan.
Military Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz
The rhetoric comes amid a collapse of diplomatic efforts. Trump recently called off a U.S.-Iran ceasefire and a nascent memorandum of understanding. This decision followed Iranian attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday.
The U.S. response was immediate and twofold. According to official reports, the president removed the U.S. waiver on Iranian oil sanctions and launched nearly 200 strikes across Iranian territory on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Security Tactics and Public Hostility in Iran
During a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump described Iranians as “scum” and “evil,” citing their attacks in the strait despite a promise to ramp down tensions during the burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The president acknowledged the personal risk he faces, stating, “I may be gone too. Because I’m their No. 1 target.”
The security risk prompted a tactical change in travel. The White House acknowledged that Trump swapped planes on his route home from Ankara on Wednesday to ensure his safety after telling reporters that Iran wanted him dead.
On the ground in Iran, the sentiment is volatile. Iranian media reported that during funeral events for the late supreme leader, demonstrators unfurled banners calling for Trump’s death. One eulogist asked, “Why is the most despicable man in the world still alive?” and claimed that killing Trump is a “duty.”
Comparing Intelligence Reports on Iranian Plots
| Source | Characterization of Threat |
|---|---|
| Wall Street Journal | Reported a “new plot” to assassinate the President. |
| CNN | Reported unspecified intel regarding IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi’s intent. |
| Donald Trump | Denied a “fresh plan” but confirmed long-term status as “No. 1” target. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What instructions did Donald Trump leave regarding Iran?
Trump stated he has left instructions to “literally bomb” Iran at levels they’ve never seen before if they succeed in assassinating him.
Why did the U.S. launch nearly 200 strikes on Iran?
The strikes were a response to Iran firing on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday.
Who is Ahmad Vahidi?
According to CNN, Vahidi is a Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who reportedly wants Trump dead.
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