Iran’s president denies assassination plans: ‘Never plotted to kill Trump’

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, strongly denied any plot to assassinate Donald Trump, refuting U.S. charges of an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. In an exclusive interview Lester Holt, Pezeshkian dismissed the accusations, claiming they were fabricated to stir up fear of Iran, a tactic, he said, often used by Israel and other countries to foster “Iranophobia”.

U.S. charges and Iran’s response

The charges, filed in November by the U.S. Department of Justice, accused an Iranian man of attempting to orchestrate Trump’s assassination during his presidential campaign. Pezeshkian, however, maintained that such a plot never existed, declaring, “Iran has never attempted this and never will.“

Asked about a possible guarantee regarding Trump’s safety, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace, stating, “We have never tried to kill anyone, and we never will.” He insisted that these claims were part of broader geopolitical schemes designed to vilify Iran.

The retaliation narrative and Soleimani’s death

The Justice Department also charged two individuals for allegedly plotting to kill an Iranian-American journalist critical of Iran. U.S. officials said the plot was retaliation for the 2020 drone strike that killed General Qasem Soleimani, authorized by Trump.

Iran open to dialogue, but skeptical of U.S. commitments

Despite the high tensions between the U.S. and Iran, Pezeshkian expressed Iran’s willingness for dialogue, particularly during the second Trump administration, though he voiced skepticism about the U.S.’s commitment to keeping promises made during talks. “The problem is not in dialogue,” Pezeshkian said. “It’s in the commitments that arise from talks.” He emphasized that while Iran had honored its agreements, the U.S. had failed to uphold its side of the bargain.

Nuclear tensions and Iran’s denial of nuclear ambitions

Since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has taken steps seen by U.S. officials as leading to nuclear weapons. Pezeshkian denied the claims, calling them “false” and a pretext for military action.

“Iran does not seek war,” he stated, adding that while Tehran would not initiate conflict, it would defend itself if attacked, particularly in the event of strikes on its nuclear sites. “We do not fear war, but we do not seek it,” he declared, stressing that any such conflict would have disastrous consequences for all involved.

Regional setbacks and Iran’s resilience

Despite growing pressure, including Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and Syria, Pezeshkian said Iran’s position remained strong. “We are more coherent, more robust,” he stated, downplaying recent setbacks like Assad’s regime collapse.

Iran’s efforts for peace during regional tensions

Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, especially amid the Hamas-Israel conflict. Despite accusations of complicity in the October 2023 attack, he highlighted Iran’s diplomatic push to de-escalate tensions.

“We do whatever we can for peace to prevail in the region,” he concluded.

As the geopolitical situation continues to evolve, Pezeshkian’s words reinforce Iran’s stance that it seeks peaceful relations but will stand firm against any threat to its sovereignty.