United States President Donald Trump has warned that America would “completely decimate” Iran if Tehran attempts or succeeds in assassinating him.
According to AFP, Trump issued the warning on Friday in a post on his Truth Social platform. He claimed that missiles had already been prepared against Iran.
“1000 missiles are locked and loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote. He added that more would follow if the Iranian government acted on alleged threats to assassinate the sitting President of the United States.
Trump said orders had already been given to the US military. He described the military as ready to destroy targets in Iran for a one-year period. This order is subject to extension.
“Orders have already been given, and the U.S. military is ready, willing, and able, for a one-year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran,” he said.
The Trump Iran threat came amid renewed tension between Washington and Tehran after an exchange of fire this week. As a result, the pressure on a fragile ceasefire agreement increased.
Iran, however, insisted on Saturday that it had kept its part of the ceasefire deal with the United States.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had “so far kept its word.” He also accused the United States of violating parts of the memorandum of understanding between both countries.
“That violation follows other violations and missteps by the United States. Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance,” Araghchi said.
Trump had earlier said the ceasefire was over but added that Washington had agreed to continue talks with Iran.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Trump wrote.
The latest exchange came as reports said Washington had given Tehran a deadline to stop firing on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, the US demanded acknowledgement that the key waterway remains open.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. It has also become a major source of dispute between the United States and Iran.
Tehran effectively closed the route after the war triggered by US-Israeli strikes earlier in the year. Afterward, it has insisted on controlling the waterway.
The United States launched strikes on Iran this week after attacks on ships in the strait. This action sparked reprisals against American bases in the Gulf.
Washington also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil. Furthermore, it cancelled a licence that had allowed Tehran to produce, sell and deliver crude oil and related products through August 21.
Araghchi is expected to travel to Oman for talks on the strait. Meanwhile, Qatar has continued efforts to mediate between both sides.
Iranian media also reported that a Qatari delegation was in Tehran. Their aim is to strengthen its role as a mediator after the latest escalation.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has also been involved in mediation efforts, spoke with Qatar’s emir and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. He urged both sides to protect the fragile peace.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the conflict would not end with Iran’s surrender.
He said ending the war remained important, but insisted that Iranians were “fully prepared” to defend themselves.
The Trump Iran threat has further raised concerns that the fragile ceasefire could collapse. In that case, it could push the region back toward a wider military confrontation.
