Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged what he described as a persistent Iranian threat to his life, insisting 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 recently passed an intelligence assessment to the United States suggesting 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.
Instead of commenting on the intelligence reports themselves, the White House pointed journalists to Trump’s remarks during the NATO summit, where he openly claimed he sits at the top of Tehran’s alleged target list.
“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.”
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte earlier, Trump said Iranian leaders wanted to eliminate the American President.
“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 behaviour.
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. The President dismissed any link to security concerns, saying the aircraft had instead been sent to American military bases in Europe so troops could see it.
While acknowledging that the presidency carries exceptional personal risk, Trump joked about the dangers of the office, saying 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 following 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.