Former President Donald Trump warned Iran of severe military consequences if the country attempts to assassinate him, stating he has left instructions to “bomb them at levels that they’ve never seen before.”
The warning comes after U.S. officials assessed multiple assassination threats from Iran targeting Trump. The statement represents a direct deterrent message delivered without traditional diplomatic intermediaries or formal policy channels.
What Trump Said
Trump delivered his warning in unambiguous terms during public remarks. “I’ve left instructions – if anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they’ve never seen before,” Trump said.
The former president’s message conveyed direct military consequences to Iranian decision-makers. Experts on deterrence note that clarity about potential responses can influence an adversary’s calculations regarding risky actions.
The Threat Context
Iran has previously announced bounties for Trump’s death and has been linked to multiple alleged assassination plots against him. The threats emerged following the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.
Intelligence assessments have indicated Iranian operatives have attempted to enter the United States. Security measures have been adjusted at recent events, including changes to aircraft assignments, reflecting heightened threat concerns.
Questions of Implementation
If an attack occurred, Vice President JD Vance would assume the presidency and hold authority over military response decisions. Vance has maintained a consistent hardline stance toward Iran throughout regional conflicts.
Pre-written instructions carry legal and political weight, but ultimate command decisions rest with the sitting commander-in-chief in any scenario involving presidential succession. Iran’s current leadership now faces a calculation about the credibility and consequences of Trump’s warning.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
