Iran has reacted with indignation to reports from US media suggesting the country was planning an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, categorically rejected what he termed as malicious claims. He emphasized that Iran has no intention or involvement in any violent actions against Trump, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.
The controversy erupted following a CNN report citing unnamed US officials, which revealed heightened security measures for Trump in response to an alleged Iranian threat. Despite these precautions, a recent attack on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania was reported to have no connection to Iran. The assailant, a 20-year-old gunman, acted independently according to US authorities.
Kanaani reiterated Iran's stance, stating that the country remains committed to pursuing legal avenues against Trump. This determination stems from Iran's accusation that Trump ordered the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, a senior IRGC commander, in 2020. The killing of Soleimani has long been a source of tension between the US and Iran, with Tehran vowing retaliation.
The US National Security Council responded to the reports by emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged threat against Trump. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the council, underscored that intelligence regarding potential harm to Trump is treated as a top national security priority.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, acknowledged ongoing adjustments in security measures based on evolving threat assessments. He declined to comment on specific threats but emphasized the agency's commitment to addressing any potential risks to public figures like Trump.
Meanwhile, questions have arisen over the Secret Service's handling of security in light of the Pennsylvania incident, where Trump was targeted from a considerable distance. President Joe Biden has ordered an independent review of the Secret Service's protocols and response to such security breaches.
The Department of Homeland Security, responsible for overseeing anti-terrorism efforts and border security, has refrained from commenting on the alleged Iranian threat.
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on the US Secret Service following the attempted attack on Trump. Concerns persist over how a gunman managed to access a position from which to target Trump, raising broader security concerns and prompting calls for reassessment of protective measures for public figures.
As developments continue, both US and Iranian authorities navigate a delicate diplomatic and security landscape, each responding to the incident and its implications within their respective frameworks of national security and international relations.
