Iran dismisses US claims of Trump targeting, calls allegations "comedy"

In October, Iran offered written assurances to the Biden administration, expressing that it was not seeking to harm former US President Donald Trump, according to US officials.

This exchange, delivered on October 14, was a response to a warning sent by the US in September, which raised alarms about potential threats to Trump’s life, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The American message had emphasised that any attempt on Trump’s life would be considered an act of war, underlining the seriousness with which the US viewed the threat.

This secret communication took place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. Tehran has long held animosity towards Trump, particularly following his decision to order the 2020 drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Quds Force.

In retaliation for the strike, Iranian officials have repeatedly vowed revenge against Trump and other US figures linked to the operation.

US officials outlined concerns about Iranian attempts to target Trump ahead of his re-election campaign, with federal prosecutors charging a Pakistani man in August for allegedly plotting to kill Trump. This led to an increase in the former president’s security detail, especially during his campaign trail.

The Biden administration, recognising the severity of the threats, bolstered Trump’s Secret Service protection in July after intelligence reports pointed to the Iranian assassination plot.

Despite these escalating threats, Iran has denied any plans to target Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the accusations as a “third-rate comedy.” However, Tehran’s October 14 message, though unsigned, reiterated Iran’s claim that Trump had committed a crime by ordering Soleimani’s killing.

The timing of these assurances was crucial, coinciding with a highly charged period leading up to the US presidential election. In his campaign, Trump expressed a more conciliatory tone towards Iran, stating that while the country should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, he was not seeking regime change or direct conflict.

At the same time, Iran’s leadership appeared keen to avoid escalating tensions. According to officials close to Tehran, Iran was seeking to prevent further confrontation with the Trump administration, which had imposed harsh economic sanctions during his first term.

However, Ali Vaez, a senior adviser at Crisis Group, noted the contradiction in Iran’s actions. He stated, “Iran can’t seriously float trial balloons for engagement while plotting to eliminate its would-be negotiating partners.” This comment encapsulates the difficult balancing act Tehran faces, simultaneously attempting to signal potential outreach to the West while maintaining its hardline stance.

Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapons program has been a source of escalating concern for the international community. Since the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran’s nuclear capabilities have expanded significantly, with US officials suggesting it now has enough nuclear material to potentially fuel multiple atomic bombs.

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has indicated that Iran is open to cooperation with the UN atomic agency to address concerns about its nuclear ambitions. Pezeshkian emphasized, “We have not and we will not seek to produce nuclear weapons in any way,” during a visit by Rafael Grossi, the head of the UN atomic agency.

Nevertheless, as Richard Nephew, a former senior Biden administration official, pointed out, even if the assassination issue is resolved, meaningful diplomatic engagement between the Trump administration and Iran would still face significant obstacles. The revived nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran remain a formidable challenge, with Iran’s advanced nuclear program complicating efforts for a renewed agreement.

While Iran’s recent assurances may alleviate some immediate security concerns for Trump, the broader diplomatic challenges remain unresolved. As Tehran navigates its complex relationship with the West, it faces significant internal and external pressure, particularly concerning its nuclear ambitions and regional influence. The path forward remains uncertain, with tensions simmering despite diplomatic overtures.

By Aghakazim Guliyev