In a stark warning to Tehran, President Donald Trump revealed that he has given explicit orders for the United States to deliver a crushing military response should Iran succeed in assassinating him or any senior U.S. officials. Speaking during a press conference where he signed a new executive order tightening sanctions against Iran, Trump made it clear that any such attack would have devastating consequences for the regime.
“If they did that, they would be obliterated,” Trump declared. “That would be the end. I’ve left instructions.”
A Clear Message Amid Rising Tensions
Trump’s warning comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a January 2020 drone strike ordered by Trump. Iran has repeatedly vowed revenge, and U.S. intelligence has reportedly uncovered several assassination plots targeting Trump and other key U.S. officials as part of Tehran’s retaliation.
In November 2024, the Department of Justice indicted multiple Iranian operatives allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for planning these assassination attempts. The discovery of the plots has raised serious security concerns, particularly as Iran continues to expand its regional influence and military capabilities.
Instructions for Retaliation
Trump’s disclosure about leaving instructions for retaliation is part of his administration’s strategy of deterrence. He described the orders as non-negotiable and designed to ensure Iran understands that any hostile action would result in overwhelming consequences.
“Iran’s leaders need to think twice before they act,” Trump said. “This is not a bluff. We will defend American lives, and any attack on me or other officials will lead to swift and total retaliation.”
Executive Order Strengthens Sanctions
During the same press conference, Trump signed an executive order expanding economic sanctions on Iran, targeting industries tied to the nation’s energy, military, and banking sectors. The goal of the order is to prevent Iran from further developing its nuclear weapons program and funding proxy militias in the region.
“Sanctions are working,” Trump asserted. “We’ve crippled their economy, but they still need to understand that they cannot use violence or terror as a bargaining chip.”
Foiled Iranian Plots
U.S. officials recently confirmed that they had thwarted several assassination plots tied to Iran, including an attempt to target Trump on the anniversary of Soleimani’s death. Intelligence reports indicate that these plots were organized by high-ranking members of the IRGC, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by Iran’s leadership.
Bipartisan Reaction
Republicans have rallied behind Trump’s warning, with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) calling the orders “a necessary message to protect U.S. interests.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized the need for deterrence, stating, “Iran must understand that any act of aggression will lead to its isolation and destruction.”
Meanwhile, some Democrats have criticized the statement, arguing that it could escalate tensions unnecessarily. However, Trump and his supporters maintain that strength and clarity are essential to deterring hostile regimes.
What’s Next?
As the U.S. monitors Iran’s actions, Trump’s warning adds a new dimension to the already fraught U.S.-Iran relationship. With sanctions tightening and military options on the table, the administration is signaling that any Iranian aggression will not go unanswered.
In Trump’s words, “If they come for me or any American official, they won’t survive the response.”