The relationship between the United States and Iran has long been contentious, but tensions reached new heights during Donald Trump’s presidency. His administration’s decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and the subsequent assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in early 2020 exacerbated the strain between the two nations. These actions placed Trump firmly in Iran’s crosshairs, with Tehran viewing him as a significant threat to its national security and regional ambitions.
Recent reports have raised alarm, suggesting that Iran’s hostility towards Trump may extend beyond political and cyber warfare. On August 10, 2024, Trump’s campaign announced that it had been hacked, with the breach allegedly carried out by Iranian actors. The hack resulted in the theft and dissemination of sensitive internal documents, including those related to Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. The FBI and other U.S. intelligence agencies confirmed Iran’s involvement, framing it as part of a broader strategy to interfere in American politics and undermine confidence in the democratic process.
However, the possibility that Iran’s antagonism towards Trump could manifest in an assassination attempt has been brought to light by Dr. Walid Phares, a Middle East expert. According to Phares, sources within U.S. allied governments in the Middle East indicate that Iran’s Islamic regime may be plotting to assassinate Trump before the U.S. presidential election on November 5, 2024. This threat is not just speculative; Iranian leaders, including IRGC Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, have made explicit public threats against Trump, declaring their intent to exact revenge.
Court filings from the Department of Justice further substantiate these concerns, revealing that a Pakistani man with ties to Iran traveled to New York City in late August or early September to lead an assassination attempt on Trump. These developments underscore the seriousness of the threat, highlighting the lengths to which Iran may go to eliminate what it perceives as a significant adversary.
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, these revelations add a new layer of tension to an already charged political climate. The possibility of an assassination attempt on a former U.S. president, orchestrated by a foreign power, would have profound implications not only for U.S.-Iran relations but also for global security. This situation demands close scrutiny and a robust response from U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of Donald Trump and the integrity of the upcoming election.
