Iranian President rejects allegations on plot to assassinate US president elect-Trump
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly rejected allegations that Iran plotted to assassinate U.S. President-elect Donald Trump following claims of two attempted attacks on his life in 2024. Pezeshkian emphasized that such a notion was unfounded and would never be a part of Iran’s intentions.
During the interview aired just days before Trump’s inauguration, Pezeshkian stated, “We have never attempted this (the assassination bid on Trump) to begin with and we never will.” His comments come in light of previous claims from the U.S. Department of Justice which charged an Iranian man linked to an alleged plot orchestrated by Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to assassinate Trump. Law enforcement officials indicated that the operation was thwarted prior to any action being taken.
Trump himself had suggested during his election campaign that Iran might be behind attempts on his life. He survived two assassination attempts during the campaign: one in September while golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida and another during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July. However, investigations have found no evidence linking Iran to either incident.
In addition to discussing the alleged plot, President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s stance on its nuclear program asserting that it is purely peaceful and not aimed at developing nuclear weapons. He warned Trump against the possibility of escalating tensions that could lead to war, saying, “I do hope that Trump will conduce to peace in the region and the world not conversely contribute to bloodshed or war.”
Pezeshkian’s remarks highlight the ongoing friction between the U.S. and Iran particularly after Trump’s first term, during which the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed at curtailing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. He expressed concern over the lack of commitment from the U.S. regarding the agreements indicating that the primary issue is not dialogue but adherence to commitments made during such discussions.
Furthermore, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi reported that ongoing negotiations with European powers are progressing suggesting a seriousness regarding the resumption of discussions related to Iran’s nuclear program. Pezeshkian’s statements encapsulate a cautious optimism about potential future dialogue while simultaneously reinforcing Iran’s stance against foreign threats and accusations.
