Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that there were "big threats" on his life posed by Iran, following a warning from US intelligence about "real and specific" threats from Tehran. "Big threats on my life by Iran. The entire US Military is watching and waiting," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
He added, "Moves were already made by Iran that didn't work out, but they will try again. ... I am surrounded by more men, guns, and weapons than I have ever seen before," amid heightened scrutiny of the US Secret Service after two attempts on Trump's life this year.
Trump's campaign team disclosed on Tuesday that US intelligence had alerted the former president about "real and specific" threats from Iran to assassinate him. It was unclear whether these threats were new or had been previously reported.
"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 destabilise and sow chaos in the United States," said campaign communications director Steven Cheung.
The campaign did not provide further details, but the claims come as global leaders work to prevent hostilities between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel from escalating into a broader regional conflict.
Iran has denied allegations that it attempted to kill Trump this summer, shortly after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania, killing one person and wounding the presidential candidate. Days after the July 13 assassination attempt, US media reported that authorities had received intelligence on an alleged Iranian plot against the Republican, prompting enhanced protection measures.
US intelligence agencies have also accused Iran of a cyberattack targeting Trump's campaign, alleging Tehran is seeking to influence the 2024 election. A joint statement from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency this month said Iranian cyberattackers had offered "stolen, non-public" material from Trump's campaign to staff for his then-White House rival, President Joe Biden.
The campaign of Trump's presidential election rival, Democrat Kamala Harris, also reported on August 13 that it had been targeted by foreign hackers, but did not specify which country was believed to be behind the attempt. Americans will cast their ballots on November 5, with polls showing Trump and Harris, who launched her campaign after Biden dropped out earlier this summer, neck and neck.
