A report in the Wall Street Journal revealed that Iran provided assurances to the Biden administration last month that it wouldn’t attempt to assassinate former President Trump. This unusual assurance, part of a confidential exchange aimed at de-escalating tensions, followed the White House’s September declaration that any attempt on Trump’s life would be viewed as a serious national security threat, potentially constituting an act of war.
The assurances were conveyed on October 14th. This followed the Department of Justice’s release of allegations last week detailing an Iranian agent’s alleged plot to assassinate Trump during his campaign. These allegations came after the August indictment of a Pakistani man for plotting to kill Trump.
The White House hasn’t yet responded to a request for comment on its response to the Justice Department’s charges. Iran has long vowed revenge for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, ordered by then-President Trump. Soleimani is now considered a martyr in Iran.
Responding to the news of Iran’s pledge, Iran’s UN mission stated they don’t publicly comment on details of exchanges between the two countries. They reiterated Iran’s commitment to pursuing legal avenues regarding Soleimani’s assassination, in accordance with international law.
The White House hasn’t commented publicly on the report, and former President Trump’s transition team was unavailable for comment. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the Department of Justice’s allegations as “third-rate comedy” earlier this week.