Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed fears that Iran is planning to assassinate him and has already instructed American officials on how to respond if such an event occurs. On July 10, Trump revealed in an interview with the New York Post, as reported by TV9 Bangla, that he has been on Iran’s hit list for a long time and has ordered a massive bombing campaign against Iran if he is killed.

Trump stated, "I have been on their list for a long time. We are handling them. I have already given instructions that if something happens, they should be bombed like never seen before." This stark warning comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

Addressing recent warnings from Israel about Iran’s alleged plots to assassinate him, Trump dismissed the claims, saying, "No, no, Israel hasn’t said anything. I have been number one on their list for a long time. That’s life. I hope you will miss me."

Trump’s concerns stem from the ongoing hostility since he ordered the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral saw symbolic acts of defiance, including burning a large Lego effigy of Trump suspended in the air. Pro-Iranian groups have also chanted slogans such as "Kill Trump," signaling the depth of animosity.

Due to fears of assassination, Trump reportedly changed his plane on the way back from the NATO summit in Ankara. During the summit, he remarked, "Their leader is gone. Then they created new leadership. They are gone too. Now they have created new leadership again. They may not last either, who knows. Maybe I won’t be here either."

Why this matters

Trump’s statements highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have persisted since the targeted killing of Soleimani. Such public warnings by a former president underscore the risks of escalation and the potential for military conflict that could impact regional and global stability.

The revelation of preemptive retaliation plans signals a hardened U.S. stance on Iran, influencing diplomatic relations and security policies worldwide.

As these threats and counter-threats continue, the international community remains watchful for any developments that could trigger wider conflict.