Donald Trump has revealed the instructions he’s left behind in the event that Iran attempts to assassinate him. Speaking just weeks into his second term as the 47th President of the United States, Trump made it clear that any such action would result in severe consequences. His remarks come after the U.S. Justice Department claimed to have foiled an Iranian murder-for-hire plot against him in late 2024.
During a press exchange on Tuesday, Trump stated that he has put a plan in place to “obliterate” Iran if they make any attempt on his life. He emphasized that his administration is taking a hard stance against Tehran, having already reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign. As part of this effort, he signed a presidential memorandum warning that Iran is “too close” to acquiring a nuclear weapon, reaffirming his position that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
The assassination plot, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in Manhattan, was allegedly organized by Farhad Shakeri, a 51-year-old operative with links to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Investigators claim Shakeri was ordered to carry out the attack within seven days but failed to do so, leading to a temporary halt until after the 2024 election. However, Iran has denied any involvement, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei calling the allegations “totally unfounded” and warning that such claims could worsen U.S.-Iran relations.
Trump was direct in his warning, stating, “If they did that, they would be obliterated. That would be the end.” He added that he has left instructions ensuring that if Iran follows through with an assassination attempt, “there won’t be anything left.” He also criticized former President Joe Biden, claiming Biden never issued such a strong deterrent, suggesting it was due to a “lack of intelligence.”
Despite his aggressive stance, Trump noted that he is open to talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in hopes of avoiding a “catastrophic situation.” However, if anything were to happen to him, Vice President JD Vance would assume the presidency. Reports indicate that Vance would not be bound by any instructions Trump has left behind, though Trump’s firm stance suggests he expects his policies to remain in place.
