Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated after Kayhan, a conservative Iranian newspaper closely linked to Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, published a warning call for the assassination of US President Donald Trump. According to The Times of India report, the editorial declared, ”He’s way out of line! Anyday now, in revenge for the blood of Martyr Soleimani, a few bullets are going to be fired into that empty skull of his, and he’ll be drinking from the chalice of a crushed death.”
This threatening statement came after Trump warned of potential bombing raids on Iran if the country refused to restart nuclear talks. ”If they don’t make a deal, there will be a bombing,” Trump stated, also hinting that economic sanctions may take place. ”There’s a chance that I will do secondary tariffs like I did four years ago,” he added. He also confirmed that indirect talks with Iranian officials are in progress.
Past warnings resurfaced
Kayhan’s editorial also blamed Trump for $3 trillion in damage to the US economy, claiming that his unpredictable decisions have resulted in the resignations from the Pentagon, CIA, and other main agencies. Israeli Iranian analyst Beni Sabti, explaining the editorial, stated that it is an attempt to provoke global rage and fuel violence. ”They want someone to shoot Trump. It’s the same kind of propaganda that resulted in the attack on Salman Rushdie,” as quoted by The Times of India report.
Jascon Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) highlighted that such warnings are not new. ”Kayhan has consistently called for Trump’s death,” he pointed out, adding that its editor Hossein Shariatmadari is appointed by Khamenei. Brodsky has pleaded with US authorities to sanction the publication as well as Shariatmadari.
Earlier, the US Justice Department disclosed an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump. An animated video was even released by the Iranian state media showing Trump’s assassination, further escalating fears about Tehran’s motives.
Despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hinting readiness to dialogue, international observers warn that threats like these could hamper diplomacy.