Iranian President Denies Plot to Assassinate Trump

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian categorically denied any Iranian plot to assassinate then President-elect Trump, asserting that such a plan never existed and never will.

Pezeshkian made this declaration during a Tuesday interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt in Tehran. This comes after U.S. intelligence reported Iran was exploring such a possibility before the election.

“This is another scheme designed by Israel and other nations to foster Iranophobia. Iran has never attempted, nor does it intend to assassinate anyone. At least, not to my knowledge,” Pezeshkian stated.

“So you’re saying there was no Iranian plot to kill Donald Trump?” Holt inquired.

“Absolutely not,” Pezeshkian responded. “We have never attempted this, and we never will.”

This denial follows comments from Trump’s incoming National Security Advisor, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, advocating for a return to a “maximum pressure” policy against Iran.

“For the United States, a policy of maximum pressure must be reinstated, globally, including support for the Iranian people and their democratic aspirations,” Kellogg emphasized.

The retired lieutenant general highlighted Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons as the most destabilizing event for the Middle East. Kellogg also recalled his efforts to withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal during Trump’s first term, despite opposition.

Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, reimposing stringent economic sanctions. While this action was praised by some, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany urged Trump to uphold the agreement.

Kellogg’s remarks, issued shortly before Trump’s second inauguration, signify a renewed focus on the Iranian threat, especially given the heightened Middle East tensions following the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel.