Donald Trump has received alarming briefings from US intelligence regarding Iran’s potential threats to his life, according to his campaign. The Republican presidential candidate was informed of “real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the United States,” as stated in an official communication from his campaign. However, details surrounding these claims were not disclosed, and it remains uncertain whether the threats are new or a continuation of previously reported concerns.
The Iranian government has yet to respond to inquiries about the allegations, but it has historically dismissed US assertions of interference in domestic affairs.
In a social media post, Trump emphasized the seriousness of the situation, revealing that “big threats on my life by Iran” have been identified. He indicated that previous attempts by Iran to target him had failed, but cautioned that “they will try again.” He referred to any potential attack as a “death wish by the attacker” and expressed gratitude to Congress for approving additional funding for the Secret Service to enhance his protection.
According to Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung, intelligence officials have detected a recent uptick in coordinated threats. “Law enforcement officials across all agencies are working to ensure Trump’s safety and uphold the integrity of the election process,” he added.
This surge in threats comes on the heels of an incident on July 13, when Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, which resulted in casualties. The motive for that attack remains under investigation. Following the event, US intelligence indicated a possible Iranian plot against Trump, which Iranian officials categorically denied as “malicious.”
In a recent statement, Trump expressed that if an assassination were to occur, it should prompt a decisive response against Iran, labeling any lack of action by American leadership as cowardice.
Additional security concerns arose when, on September 15, a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle directed towards Trump at his golf club, leading to a defensive response while the candidate was on the course. A suspect, arrested nearby, has been charged with attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, though there has been no indication of Iranian involvement in this or previous incidents.
Reports from the Trump campaign indicated recent hacks of internal communications, suggesting the possibility of targeting by Iranian operatives. Furthermore, an individual connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was charged in 2022 for plotting to assassinate Trump’s former National Security Advisor, further highlighting escalating tensions.
