Trump warns of ‘big threats’ on life amid alleged Iran assassination plot

Donald Trump has claimed “big threats” to his life from Iran, following warnings from US intelligence officials of “real and specific” assassination threats from Tehran, according to his campaign team.

“Big threats on my life by Iran. The entire US Military is watching and waiting,” the former president and Republican frontrunner wrote on Truth Social. He added that previous Iranian attempts had failed but warned that “they will try again.”

Trump’s campaign confirmed on Tuesday that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence briefed him on the threats, although it remains unclear if they are new or previously reported dangers. “President Trump was briefed earlier today by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence regarding real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the United States,” Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as global powers work to prevent the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel from escalating into a broader regional war. Iran has denied allegations that it’s attempting to assassinate Trump, labeling the accusations as “malicious.”

The former president’s security has been under increased scrutiny after two attempts on his life earlier this year. US authorities received intelligence on an alleged Iranian plot shortly after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally in July. At that time, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “If they do ‘assassinate President Trump,’… I hope that America obliterates Iran, wipes it off the face of the Earth.”

In addition to assassination concerns, US intelligence agencies have accused Iranian cyberattackers of targeting Trump’s campaign in an attempt to influence the 2024 presidential election. Iran has denied these allegations as well, but US agencies warned that foreign actors—including Russia, Iran, and China—are ramping up efforts to interfere in the election as November approaches.

With polls showing a tight race between Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris, the mounting security concerns add another layer of complexity to an already contentious election season.