United States President Donald Trump has warned that the US would “completely decimate” Iran if Tehran attempted or succeeded in assassinating him, saying the American military was fully prepared to launch an overwhelming response.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump claimed that the US had already positioned significant military assets to respond to any such threat.
“1,000 missiles are locked and loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat… to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!” Trump wrote.
He added that military orders had already been issued.
“Orders have already been given, and the US Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one-year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran.”
Trump’s comments came barely a day after he announced that Washington had agreed to continue negotiations with Tehran, despite insisting that a ceasefire between both countries was effectively over.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue talks. We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the ceasefire is over,” Trump said.
Iran, however, rejected Trump’s claim, insisting it had complied with the terms of the ceasefire and the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States last month.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran had honoured its commitments under the agreement, accusing Washington of violating the deal.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has so far kept its word,” Araghchi said, alleging that the United States had breached provisions requiring it to refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional military forces in the region while negotiations continued.
He added, “Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance.”
Although there have been no direct talks between Washington and Tehran since last month, Iranian media reported that a Qatari delegation had arrived in Tehran in an effort to mediate between the two countries following recent military exchanges.
The latest exchange of threats underscores the fragile state of relations between the United States and Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a broader agreement over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional security.
