Trump Warns Iran of ‘Total Obliteration’ if They Try To Harm Him
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, saying any assassination attempt linked to leaders in Tehran would trigger overwhelming retaliation. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that if anything were to happen to him, the United States would respond with force that could result in what he described as the country being “blown up” and facing “total obliteration.” His remarks followed intelligence briefings during the 2024 presidential campaign, when officials warned him of alleged threats tied to Iran.
Former Attorney General Merrick Garland previously said the alleged plot was believed to be retaliation for the 2020 U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani during Trump’s first administration. Despite receiving those briefings, Trump criticized Joe Biden, arguing that presidents should publicly defend one another against foreign threats, regardless of political differences.
Trump reiterated that he had left firm instructions for a severe response if an assassination attempt were carried out. He emphasized that such consequences would be intended as a deterrent, adding that Iran “shouldn’t be able to do it.”
The president also addressed ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations in Geneva while speaking aboard Air Force One. Trump said he would be indirectly involved in the talks and expressed cautious optimism about a possible agreement. He described Iran as historically tough negotiators but suggested they may now be more willing to reach a deal, particularly after previous U.S. military actions targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Trump warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to additional military pressure. He indicated the United States may deploy further naval forces to the region, potentially adding another carrier strike group to join the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and other warships already positioned near Iran. According to Trump, these deployments are intended both as deterrence and leverage in negotiations.
The administration’s goals include limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, restricting ballistic missile development, and curbing support for proxy groups across the Middle East. Iranian officials, however, have resisted expanding talks beyond nuclear issues.
Trump’s comments came ahead of a planned Washington visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to advocate for tougher terms in any agreement. Netanyahu indicated he would present key negotiation principles focused on broader regional security concerns.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the United States has already increased its military presence in the region, signaling that while negotiations remain the preferred path, the administration is prepared to escalate pressure if talks fail.