United States President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with 1,000 locked and loaded missiles, warning that thousands more would follow if Tehran attempts to assassinate him. In a bellicose post on his Truth Social platform Saturday, Trump wrote: '1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat... to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!'
He added: 'Orders have already been given, and the U.S. Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran – PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!'
Israel warned the US earlier this week about a new and specific Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, US media reported. Sources told CNN that the new Israeli intelligence detailed a highly specific, active plot. The Wall Street Journal also confirmed the threat was 'fresh'.
Tehran has pledged revenge against Trump since 2020, when he ordered the drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. The threat reportedly prompted the US Secret Service to request that Trump switch planes when leaving the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this week.
Despite his fiery rhetoric, Trump said talks on finalizing a peace deal were continuing. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!' Trump wrote.
In response, Iran's lead negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Tehran would never surrender to the US. 'We have never stopped preparing to defend our country, and if at any moment the Americans betray the understanding, we are ready for full-scale defense,' Ghalibaf said.
Despite the exchange of ultimatums and a wave of US air strikes on five Iranian provinces, high-stakes diplomatic talks are continuing behind the scenes. Qatari mediators have traveled to Tehran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Muscat for talks on security in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to express 'deep concern' over the recent escalation, urging restraint. Al Jazeera correspondent Mahmoud Abdelwahed reported from Tehran: 'There is a flurry of diplomatic activity to rescue the stalled talks. However, Iranian officials remain highly skeptical of American intentions, especially after the latest US strikes and President Trump's statements.'
Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC, said 'the United States insists that for there to be a deal, Iran must agree to nuclear limits and deliver its nuclear material. Senior US officials say conversations have been productive, but they have issued an ultimatum following recent Iranian targeting of commercial vessels.'
Source: www.aljazeera.com