Biden Administration Draws Red Line: Iran’s Threats Against Trump Could Spark War

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The Biden administration has drawn a stark red line, warning Iran that any attempt to harm former President Donald Trump or other U.S. officials involved in the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani would be treated as an act of war.

At a Glance

  • U.S. intelligence uncovers credible assassination threats from Iran against Trump and officials involved in the Soleimani strike
  • Iran escalates efforts with propaganda videos, hacking, and digital surveillance to track U.S. officials
  • The Trump campaign briefed on heightened risks, with reports of two assassination attempts on the former president this summer
  • Biden administration warns Iran of severe consequences if it attacks U.S. citizens, including former officials
  • Congress allocates significant funds for protection, but resources are stretched thin

Escalating Threats and Security Concerns

U.S. officials are increasingly alarmed by Iran’s persistent threats to assassinate former President Donald Trump and top officials involved in the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The situation has prompted unprecedented security measures and raised concerns about the safety of former U.S. officials.

Iran’s efforts to seek revenge have intensified, with the creation of propaganda videos targeting Trump and others involved in the Soleimani strike. U.S. intelligence has uncovered that these threats are more extensive than previously reported, involving hacking, digital surveillance, and attempts to track U.S. officials abroad.

Protection Challenges and Government Response

The U.S. government is grappling with the challenge of providing adequate protection for all at-risk former officials. Congress has allocated significant funds to protect former officials, but resources are stretched thin. Some former officials, particularly those from the National Security Council, are largely unprotected and have resorted to spending large sums on private security.

“Iran has made it very clear that they are determined to seek retaliation against former officials in connection with the Soleimani strike.” – Matt Olsen, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for national security

The Biden administration has taken a firm stance, warning Iran of severe consequences if it attacks U.S. citizens, including former officials. This warning comes as U.S. intelligence briefed the Trump campaign about heightened assassination threats from Iran, following two reported assassination attempts on Trump this summer.

Potential Consequences and Long-term Concerns

The situation has raised concerns about potential consequences for U.S.-Iran relations if an assassination were to occur. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, stated unequivocally, “The U.S. would regard it as an act of war.” This clear message underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for escalation.

“Soleimani was almost like a son to the Supreme Leader,” said Ali Vaez, an Iran specialist at the International Crisis Group

Experts are drawing comparisons between this threat and the long-standing fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, indicating that this could be an enduring security concern. The assassination threat is seen as a long-term issue, highlighting the challenges in adapting U.S. security measures to evolving threats from foreign states while maintaining diplomatic channels.

Diplomatic Tensions and Denials

While the U.S. government takes these threats seriously, Iran has denied allegations of an assassination plot. The Iranian Foreign Ministry called reports of a plan to assassinate U.S. diplomat Lana Marks “baseless.” However, U.S. intelligence suggests Iran is considering such an attempt, with the Iranian Embassy in Pretoria allegedly involved.

The situation remains tense, with both sides issuing warnings. Former President Trump previously threatened a response “1,000 times greater in magnitude” to any Iranian attack, further escalating tensions. As the U.S. government works to protect its citizens and former officials, the challenge of balancing security measures with diplomatic efforts continues to test international relations.

Sources:

  1. Iran has a hit list of former Trump aides. The U.S. is scrambling to protect them.
  2. Iran Warns U.S. Of ‘Decisive’ Response After Trump Threat
  3. Biden, facing scrutiny of his foreign policy record, sharpens criticism of Trump’s ‘incompetence’ on Iran