Trump Says He Left Instructions For Massive Retaliation If Iran Assassinates Him

President Trump said he has already left instructions for the United States to carry out an overwhelming military response if Iran succeeds in assassinating him, warning that there would be nothing left of the regime if such an attack were ever carried out.

Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said Iran has considered him its “number one target” ever since he ordered the 2020 strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The president said he has no doubt Tehran continues to seek revenge but made clear that any successful attack would trigger an unprecedented response.

“I’ve left instructions,” Trump said. “There wouldn’t be anything left.” While he declined to discuss the specifics of those directives, he indicated they would ensure a devastating retaliation against Iran if the regime ever carried out an assassination.

Trump’s comments come after Israeli intelligence reportedly warned the United States of a new Iranian plot targeting the president. American officials have acknowledged that Iran has repeatedly threatened Trump and other former administration officials over Soleimani’s death, and security around the president has remained exceptionally tight.

The remarks also follow several days of escalating military conflict between the United States and Iran. The Trump administration recently resumed airstrikes against Iranian targets after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire by attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The administration has also restored sanctions and revoked Iran’s temporary authorization to sell oil.

Despite the continuing threats, Trump said he is not intimidated and intends to continue carrying out his duties as president. He argued that projecting strength is the best way to deter adversaries and warned that Iran would face consequences unlike anything in its history if it ever followed through on its assassination threats.