Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a stark declaration on Tuesday, stating that he has left behind specific "instructions" for Iran's total obliteration should he be assassinated by the nation. "I've given instructions: if they proceed, they will be obliterated; nothing will remain," Trump asserted from the Oval Office in a video shared by attorney Marina Medvin on X.
This bold warning was issued during the signing of a memorandum aimed at intensifying pressure on Iran, with a focus on preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons and curtailing its oil exports. The statement comes amidst escalating tensions with Tehran and follows the revelation of an alleged Iranian plot to target Trump, as reported by Spain's EFE news agency.
Back in November, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had thwarted an Iranian scheme to assassinate Trump before the presidential elections. According to the charges, the operation was orchestrated by Iranian officials and executed by Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian national currently at large. However, Tehran has consistently denied any involvement in the conspiracy.
The presidential memorandum signed by Trump reinstates the so-called "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran, which he had implemented during his first term after withdrawing the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal. The move aims to prevent Iran from enriching uranium to near-military levels and from continuing its support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, deemed adversaries of Israel, Washington's key ally in the region.
Despite his aggressive rhetoric, Trump indicated a willingness to negotiate with Tehran and even to engage in dialogue with Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the pressure would persist until Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions.
Key Questions About U.S.-Iran Relations
What are the main goals of Trump's memorandum against Iran?
The memorandum seeks to block Iran's access to nuclear weapons and limit its oil exports, thereby increasing pressure on the Iranian regime.
Why is there tension between the U.S. and Iran?
Tensions have escalated due to allegations of Iranian plots to assassinate Trump and the U.S. re-implementing its "maximum pressure" policy to curb Iran's nuclear and regional ambitions.
Has Iran responded to Trump's allegations?
Iran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the alleged assassination plot against Trump.