A former senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has asserted that Iran has the capability to assassinate President Trump even inside the White House.
"If the goal is to assassinate Trump, the Islamic Republic can easily do so in the White House. Whenever necessary, we are capable of doing that," stated Hossein Kanani Moghaddam, speaking to the Iranian news website Fararu.
Moghaddam also clarified that Iran's current negotiations with the United States are not aimed at achieving peace but rather at reducing tensions and asserting the Islamic Republic's demands. "We are not negotiating with the Americans for peace. We are negotiating to reduce tensions," he said, adding that the talks are intended to "restore our rights and clarify the accusations made against us by the United States." He did not rule out "revenge" against America for the war.
These remarks come as U.S. strikes on Iran have intensified, extending beyond coastal areas. President Trump has previously vowed to retaliate against Iran, criticizing Tehran's stance on a potential peace deal and stating the U.S. will become the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz. "Now we’re going to guard it, and we’re going to get paid for guarding it," Trump said.
Iran, in turn, has accused the U.S. of jeopardizing talks with Oman aimed at ensuring safe passage through the strait. Military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that "The leaders of the countries in the region are warned that any cooperation with the United States or logistical support for its military will be regarded as an act of war against Iran’s sovereignty and national security."
Concerns over Tehran's actions and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for nearly one-fifth of global oil traffic, have contributed to a rise in oil prices over the weekend.