Iran Denies Plot to Kill Trump

In October Iran communicated to the United States that it had no intention of assassinating US President-elect Donald Trump according to US and Iranian officials, as reported by the New York Times. This message followed concerns raised by the Biden administration in September warning that any attempt on Trump's life would be considered an "act of war."

The communication aimed to reduce tensions with the US, especially after the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani by the US, which Tehran viewed as an act of aggression. Despite Trump’s promises to increase pressure on Iran, many in the country, including former officials and media, have called for reconciliation.

The US Department of Justice has issued indictments related to Iranian plots against Trump and others. While Iran reiterated that Suleimani's killing was a crime, it stated its desire for legal avenues to seek justice, not assassination, of Trump.