US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that the country would face total destruction if any assassination attempt were made against him.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with News Nation, aired on Tuesday, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran over reported threats to the 79-year-old US leader’s life.
TRUMP’S WARNING
Responding to reports of alleged Iranian threats, Trump said decisive measures were already in place.
“I have very firm instructions. If anything happens, they’re going to wipe them off the face of this earth,” he said.
The statement reinforces Trump’s hardline posture toward Iran since returning to the White House, with repeated warnings of overwhelming retaliation should he be targeted.
IRAN’S RESPONSE
Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian General Abolfazl Shekarchi reacted to concerns over threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issuing a counter-warning.
Quoted by Iranian state media, Shekarchi said Iran would respond forcefully to any provocation, stressing that threats against its leadership would not go unanswered.
The exchange highlights a deepening war of words between the two longtime rivals, raising fears of further escalation.
A HISTORY OF ESCALATION
Since resuming office, Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran would face devastating consequences if it attempted to harm him. Similar statements were made last year, when he said Iran would be “obliterated” under such circumstances.
The renewed rhetoric comes at a time when relations between the two countries remain strained over security, regional influence, and leadership threats.
IRAN’S INTERNAL PRESSURE
Beyond external tensions, Iran is also facing significant internal challenges.
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The country has experienced waves of anti-government protests, described as some of the most intense since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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Human rights organisations report thousands of deaths during security crackdowns, though exact figures remain disputed due to communication restrictions.
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The unrest has been fueled by economic hardship, currency collapse, and long-standing resistance to political reforms.
WHY THIS MATTERS
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Signals heightened US–Iran tensions
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Raises global concerns about regional stability
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Underscores the volatile mix of external threats and internal unrest facing Iran
