Former President Donald Trump stated that he has issued instructions to strike Iran with overwhelming force should Tehran succeed in any assassination attempt against him. Trump, who described himself as Iran's long-standing primary target, made these remarks in an interview with The New York Post.
"I’ve been on their list for a long time. That’s what we’re dealing with," Trump said. "… The only thing is, I’ve left instructions — if anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they’ve never seen before."
Trump's comments come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. He also indicated that recent reports, including intelligence shared by Israel, suggesting a new Iranian plot to assassinate him were not new information.
"No, no, Israel came up with nothing," Trump told the Post. "I’ve been No. 1 [on Iran’s kill list] for a long time, and it’s the way life is, you know."
Recent events have amplified concerns, including banners displayed at the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that explicitly called for Trump's death. Mourners were heard shouting phrases like, "I swear by the blood of the Supreme Leader, Trump, we will kill you!" and women held placards reading "Kill Trump."
Iran has reportedly sought to assassinate Trump since he ordered the 2020 strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Trump has previously spoken about being a target, noting during a press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, that he may be targeted because he is Iran's number one target.
Tensions have further escalated after Iran fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump announced on Truth Social that the ceasefire previously agreed upon with Iran was now terminated.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks,’" Trump wrote. "We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER! Thank you for your attention to this matter."
Domestically, Trump has also been the target of assassination attempts. In July 2024, a shooter fired upon him during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, with a bullet grazing his ear.