‘1,000 missiles locked and loaded’
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Iran of an overwhelming military response if Tehran attempts to assassinate him, saying the United States has “1,000 missiles” ready to strike the country and thousands more prepared to follow.
The latest remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of intelligence reports about an alleged Iranian assassination threat against Trump. The exchange has further intensified already strained ties between Washington and Tehran.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed the US military had already been instructed on how to respond to any attempt on his life.
“1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the Globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!” Trump wrote.
He also threatened a sustained military campaign against Iran.
“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,” he said.
Trump’s statement came after reports from the funeral procession of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where anti-US slogans were raised and alleged calls were made for the American President’s killing.
According to the reports, mourners also passed beneath a bridge displaying a billboard showing Trump’s image with a bullet aimed at his head.
Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that US officials are reviewing intelligence shared by Israel about a possible Iranian plan to assassinate Trump.South Asians & Diaspora
The report said the warning prompted a decision to move the President to an older and better-protected Air Force One during his return from Turkey.
According to the newspaper, the intelligence suggested a fresh Iranian plan targeting Trump. However, some US officials reportedly questioned its credibility.
CNN, citing sources, reported that the intelligence reflected broader discussions among hardliners in Tehran about killing the US President rather than evidence of a specific operational plot.
The developments come after Trump ordered renewed US strikes on Iran following Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The latest exchange of threats has heightened concerns over possible retaliation and further instability in the Middle East.Politics (Right)
Agencies