Trump Threatens to 'Annihilate' Iran if Assassinated; Israel Warns of Plot

President Donald Trump has threatened to launch a devastating military response against Iran if the Islamic Republic attempts to assassinate him, vowing that "1,000 missiles" are ready to strike. The warning, issued on Truth Social and in an interview with The New York Post, came after reports that Israel shared intelligence with the U.S. about an alleged Iranian plot to kill Trump Source: infobae; Source: clarin.

Threat and Response

Trump said he has given orders to "decimate and completely destroy all areas of Iran" if he is killed, adding that the directive is valid for a year Source: abc.es. However, experts note there is no "dead man's switch" mechanism; any retaliation would ultimately be decided by Vice President JD Vance under constitutional succession Source: clarin.

Intelligence and Skepticism

The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported that Israel warned of a "new and specific" Iranian assassination plot Source: larepublicaco. Trump himself downplayed the novelty, saying he has been Iran's top target since the 2020 killing of Qasem Soleimani Source: eldiado. Some U.S. officials expressed skepticism, suggesting the intelligence might be used by Israel to influence the war Source: clarin.

Escalating Conflict

The threats come as a fragile ceasefire collapses. Iran buried Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 Source: elcaribedr. His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed revenge: "This vengeance is what our nation is demanding" Source: clarin. Meanwhile, Trump confirmed the ceasefire is over, blaming Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz Source: eldiado. Security concerns prompted Trump to use an older Air Force One for his return from the NATO summit Source: abc.es.