President Donald Trump has stated he fears Iran may succeed in assassinating him, asserting that he is "on every list." Speaking at an event with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, Trump told reporters: "They want to take out the US leader, me. I'm on every list. I saw a thing this morning, I'm on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I've been a little bit lucky. But that maybe doesn't last very long."
Ceasefire Collapse and Rising Tensions
The ceasefire between the US and Iran, which was established last month, has broken down due to violations by both sides. Tehran has labeled Trump a "bully," while Trump has referred to the new Iranian administration as "scum." The breakdown has led to a resurgence of hostilities, with strikes exchanged between US and Iranian forces. The price of oil has skyrocketed to approximately $78.70 per barrel (nearly £60), as bombs continue to rain down on Iran and the wider Middle East.
Death Chants and Threats in Iran
Pro-regime demonstrations in Iran have featured death chants directed at Trump, with protesters carrying banners reading "Kill Trump." Hard-liners have been seen throwing stones at billboards depicting Trump with a bullet aimed at his head. Trump candidly revealed he is aware of plots to kill him, acknowledging the heightened threat level.
Trump's Military Threats
On Wednesday (July 8), Trump told reporters he would likely send another wave of strikes to Iran later that night, saying he would "hit them hard." However, he remained ambiguous, stating "we'll see how it all works out," suggesting he may not follow through. He issued a chilling warning that he would "knock down every bridge in Iran in one day" and threatened to take over Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as Iran's oil hub. Trump also implied he could reinforce the naval blockade of the strait, potentially driving oil prices higher.
Failed Diplomacy
Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on June 16 in an attempt to end the bloodshed. However, with ongoing skirmishes, talks have been put on hold as Iran enters days of mourning for former Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceasefire's collapse marks a significant setback in US-Iran relations, with both sides returning to a confrontational stance.
