A senior official in Iran has made a provocative comment regarding the potential targeting of former US President Donald Trump while he is at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Mohammad-Javad Larijani, an adviser to the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hinted that the technology developed by Iran’s military could allow for an assassination attempt, saying Trump “can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago.” He suggested that a micro-drone could strike him “right in the navel” while he is relaxing.
These comments were shared during a discussion about military capabilities and were reported by Iran International, a London-based news outlet. Despite the serious tone of Larijani’s remarks, he later added, “of course, we fight like men,” implying that Iran would not initiate an attack on Trump.
In response to these statements, the United States Secret Service noted that they could not comment on specific threats but affirmed their commitment to protecting the President and others under their care. A spokesperson emphasised the importance of safety and security in what they described as a “dynamic threat environment,” stating that their teams collaborate continually with various partners at different levels to maintain high protection standards.
The remarks by Larijani illustrate the ongoing tense relationship between the US and Iran, as well as the provocative nature of political discourse within the Iranian regime. The situation underscores the intricacies of international relations and the significant challenges faced by security agencies when it comes to high-profile figures like former President Trump.