Wed Sep 25 09:41:08 UTC 2024: ## Trump Claims Iranian Threats on His Life, US Intelligence Warns of Assassination Plot

Former President Donald Trump has alleged that Iran poses “big threats” on his life, following a warning from US intelligence agencies of “real and specific threats” from Tehran to assassinate him. Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to claim that Iran has already made moves against him that failed, but they will try again. He further stated that he is “surrounded by more men, guns, and weapons than I have ever seen before,” reflecting the increased scrutiny of the Secret Service since two attempts on his life this year.

Trump’s campaign confirmed the intelligence warning, citing a statement from campaign communications director Steven Cheung, who said the former president 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 destabilize and sow chaos in the United States.” Cheung added that “intelligence officials have identified that these continued and coordinated attacks have heightened in the past few months, and law enforcement officials across all agencies are working to ensure President Trump is protected and the election is free from interference.”

This statement comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with world leaders scrambling to avert hostilities between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, which could escalate into a wider regional war.

The campaign’s claim echoes previous accusations against Iran regarding a potential assassination plot against Trump. In July, US media reported that authorities had received intelligence on an alleged Iranian plot, prompting a boost in Trump’s security. Iran vehemently denied the accusations.

Beyond the alleged assassination plot, US intelligence agencies have also accused Iran of cyberattacks targeting Trump’s campaign, alleging that Tehran is seeking to influence the 2024 election. A joint statement from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said Iranian cyberattackers had offered stolen non-public material from Trump’s campaign to staff for his then-White House rival, President Joe Biden.

Iran has also denied these accusations. The campaign of Trump’s presidential rival, Democrat Kamala Harris, also reported being targeted by foreign hackers in August, without identifying the suspected perpetrator.

The upcoming election is expected to be tight, with polls showing Trump and Harris neck and neck as Americans prepare to cast their ballots on November 5th.

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