Tensions between the United States and Iran appear to be escalating once again, following a striking statement from US President Donald Trump, who said he is listed at the top of a “hit list” reportedly compiled by Iranian intelligence.
Trump made the remarks at a special media briefing held at the conclusion of a high-profile NATO summit in Turkey. While returning to the United States after the summit, Trump abruptly altered his travel plans.
Trump had originally been scheduled to travel aboard a lavishly equipped, state-of-the-art aircraft officially gifted to him by Qatar. However, at the last minute, he canceled that flight over security concerns. Instead, he opted to fly back to the United States aboard an older, heavily fortified military aircraft previously used as Air Force One.
A reporter asked whether the president’s decision was linked to any potential missile or aerial threat emanating from Iran.
Responding to the question, Trump said, “Yes, what you’ve heard is true. I am number one on Iran’s kill list.” He added that he was not in the least bit intimidated by such threats. “Even though I’m at the top of Iran’s hit list, I don’t worry about it much — I don’t really pay attention to it either,” he said. “Because I will continue doing my job fearlessly, for the defense of my country and for my people. I am carrying out my responsibilities better than any president in American history has before. That is exactly why hostile nations are targeting me,” Trump remarked.
He further stated that holding the office of US President is “the most dangerous job in the world.”
Against the backdrop of a recent series of attacks and retaliatory strikes between the two countries, Trump officially declared that the previous ceasefire chapter with Iran has come to a complete end. He stated firmly that there is no longer any prospect of peace talks with the country, and that all forms of relations with Iran are being severed.