In a revealing interview with The New York Post on Friday, President Donald Trump disclosed that he has left explicit instructions for a massive retaliatory strike against Iran should he be assassinated. This stark warning comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, following recent events that have further strained their relationship.
The president’s comments highlight a long-standing threat from Iran, with Trump stating that he has been a target for years. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile geopolitical landscape.
Trump’s Contingency Plans and Iran’s Threats
Trump’s remarks came in response to recent intelligence reports suggesting that Iran has been plotting his assassination. However, Trump dismissed the idea of a new, specific plot, asserting that Iran has wanted him dead for a long time. “I’ve been on their list for a long time,” he said, emphasizing the persistent nature of the threat.
The president’s instructions for retaliation are unprecedented. “If anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they’ve never seen before,” Trump stated, underscoring the severity of his planned response. This statement follows a history of threats and retaliatory actions between the US and Iran, dating back to the 2026 drone strike that killed Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani.
Recent Escalations and Foiled Assassination Attempts
Recent events have further escalated tensions. On July 13, 2026 an assassin’s bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This incident, along with multiple other foiled assassination plots, has heightened security concerns around the president.
Adding to the tension, during the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Iranian demonstrators displayed giant banners calling for Trump’s killing. A eulogist at one of the memorial events even declared, “Trump’s killing is our duty,” according to Iranian media. These public displays of hostility have further fueled the fire between the two nations.
Trump’s Frustration and NATO Summit Comments
Trump’s frustration with Iran was evident during the NATO summit in Ankara this week. He labeled the Iranians as “evil” for their actions in the Strait of Hormuz despite a cease-fire and promises to ramp down tensions. “They’re scum,” Trump stated, reflecting his disdain for Iran’s leadership.
During the summit, Trump also hinted at the possibility of his own demise, stating, “I may be gone too. Because I’m their No. 1 target — it’s out all over the place.” This comment underscores the personal nature of the conflict and the perceived threat to his life.
US-Iran Tensions and Recent Hostilities
The latest remarks from Trump come days after he called off a US-Iran cease-fire and a nascent memorandum of understanding. This decision followed Iran’s attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday of this week. In response, Trump removed the US waiver on Iranian oil sanctions and launched nearly 200 strikes across Iran on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Despite his efforts to make a deal with Iran, Trump has openly discussed the persistent threat to his life. “They had leaders, they’re gone. Then they had another set of leaders, they’re gone. Now they have another set of leaders — they may be gone, who knows?” Trump said, highlighting the volatile nature of Iran’s leadership and the ongoing conflict.
The president’s comments and actions reflect a significant escalation in the US-Iran conflict, with both sides engaging in a dangerous game of brinkmanship. As tensions continue to rise, the world watches closely to see how this geopolitical standoff will unfold.
