Trump Dismisses Alleged Iran Assassination Threat Amid Israeli Intelligence Warning
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US media reported on Friday that US intelligence agencies are tracking discussions about possible attacks on current and former American officials by Iran, the reported Israeli assessment had not been independently verified before it reached Washington.
Trump has publicly acknowledged what he described as a persistent Iranian threat to his life, insisted it will not influence his decisions on Tehran even as reports emerged that Israeli intelligence had alerted Washington to an alleged new assassination plot against the US President.
The reported warning first carried by The Wall Street Journal and CNN, said Israeli officials passed an intelligence assessment to the US suggested Iran could be weighing another attempt on Trump’s life.
CNN said American agencies had not independently confirmed the information before receiving Israel’s assessment.
The White House pointed reporters to Trump’s remarks during the NATO summit, where he openly claimed he sits at the top of Tehran’s alleged target list instead commenting on the intelligence reports themselves.
“I’m number one on the kill list for Iran,” Trump said.
“I’m number one, so I don’t know… but I don’t really care because I’m doing my job.”
Trump said Iranian leaders wanted to eliminate the American President, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
“They want to take out the US leader me,” Trump said.
“I’m on whatever list. I saw this morning I’m on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky, but maybe that doesn’t last very long.”
“These are evil, sick people. And we have to root out that cancer.”
Later, at a news conference, he said that the reported threats would not cause him to soften Washington’s approach towards Iran.
“I’m doing what’s right for the country.”
“I’m doing what’s right for the world.”
“They have to be stopped.”
Trump argued that the alleged threats were a consequence of his administration’s efforts against Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities, calling Iranian leaders “evil” and accusing them of decades of hostile behavior.
CNN reported that US security agencies continue to monitor discussions involving possible attacks on serving and former senior American officials.
The broadcaster also cited a US official who said some within the intelligence community viewed the Israeli warning cautiously, believing it could also serve to influence Trump’s thinking on Iran policy.
Questions were also raised about Trump’s travel arrangements after reports suggested he was not returning aboard the new Air Force One.
Trump dismissed any link to security concerns, saying the aircraft had instead been sent to American military bases in Europe so troops could see it.
He acknowledged that the presidency carries exceptional personal risk, Trump joked about the dangers of the office, said he “maybe” would not have entered politics had he known how hazardous the job could be.
The reported Israeli warning surfaced as relations between Washington and Tehran continued to deteriorate after renewed US military operations and Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran has long threatened retaliation against Trump over the 2020 US strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
