Israeli intelligence has provided the U.S. with information regarding a new Iranian plot aimed at assassinating President Donald Trump, according to reports. This development follows President Trump's declaration that a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is effectively over, coupled with renewed U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.
President Trump has publicly stated that his adversaries are "crazy" and intend to eliminate him, while also suggesting Iran "wants to make a deal badly." Details of the alleged plot were not immediately disclosed. However, it was reported that Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the two leaders agreed to maintain ongoing "coordination between the countries."
The White House, when contacted for comment, referred to remarks President Trump made at a NATO summit. During a press conference, Trump commented on the threats against him, stating, "They want to take out the US leader — me. 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 bit lucky, but maybe that doesn't last very long."
He characterized those making threats as "evil, sick people" and emphasized the need to "root out that cancer."
Earlier this week, hardline lawmakers in Tehran reportedly called for missiles to be fired at Trump's location during the summit. During the funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, mourners displayed posters with a death bounty on Trump. Some of these posters featured crosshairs over Trump's face with the warning, "Sooner or later, your heads will roll." Other posters showed the faces of JD Vance and Pete Hegseth with similar threats.
Chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" were heard in Tehran during Khamenei's funeral. Iranians were also seen setting U.S. and British flags ablaze and throwing rocks at pictures of Trump. An effigy of Trump was depicted being hanged near the front of the funeral procession.
President Trump has also posted images on his Truth Social platform depicting overnight strikes on Iran. He wrote on Truth Social, "This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!"
Ayatollah Khamenei ruled Iran for nearly 37 years before his death, which U.S. and Israeli airstrikes initiated as part of a wider conflict. He was buried in Mashhad. The funeral processions, which began on a Saturday, led to street closures, airspace restrictions, and disruptions to daily life in Tehran and other cities.
The regime's alleged desire to assassinate Trump predates current events, stemming from a 2020 drone strike ordered by Trump that killed Revolutionary Guard general Qasem Soleimani. U.S. intelligence had previously warned during Trump's 2024 campaign that Iran was plotting to assassinate him and former officials in retaliation for the strike. Federal prosecutors had also charged a Revolutionary Guard operative with soliciting the murder of former national security advisor John Bolton.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Iran envoy Brian Hook were reportedly placed under round-the-clock government protection due to threats.
CENTCOM released footage of air strikes on Iranian military targets, which followed Iran's alleged attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, with Iran claiming to have targeted U.S. bases in retaliation.
President Trump's comments about potential threats come shortly before the two-year anniversary of an assassination attempt that nearly cost him his life in Butler, Pennsylvania. A report from the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general indicated that the Secret Service missed numerous radio calls flagging the gunman at that event and did not warn agents at Trump's side.
The shifting rhetoric and U.S. military actions raise questions about the future of the conflict, particularly after recent diplomatic efforts to reach a deal. This approach could be a strategy to increase pressure on Tehran regarding attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear program. Mediators are reportedly working to preserve an interim deal, but the escalated actions risk further inflaming tensions, which could impact political outcomes if gas prices rise.