In a escalating war of words, US President Donald Trump reiterated his stark warning to Iran, stating that any successful assassination attempt on him would result in the country being “wiped off the face of this earth.” The comments came during a News Nation interview on Tuesday, amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. Trump emphasized his “very firm instructions” for retaliation, echoing a similar threat he made a year ago upon returning to the White House. This exchange highlights the fragile state of US-Iran relations, fueled by mutual suspicions and historical animosities.

Iranian General Abolfazl Shekarchi responded forcefully, asserting that Tehran would not hesitate to “set their world on fire” if any harm came to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Quoted by state media, Shekarchi dismissed the threats as more than slogans, vowing to leave no safe haven for aggressors in the region. This tit-for-tat rhetoric underscores the high stakes, with both sides threatening broad-scale conflicts over potential assassinations of their leaders.

The backdrop to these threats includes Iran’s internal turmoil, where massive anti-government protests have rocked the nation since December. Triggered by economic hardships and a plummeting currency under Khamenei’s long rule, the demonstrations have led to thousands of deaths. Human rights groups, such as the Human Rights Activists News Agency, report over 4,000 confirmed fatalities, while the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO suggests the toll could exceed 20,000, hampered by communication blackouts.

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Exiled voices from Iran’s diaspora, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi, have amplified calls for international intervention. Ebadi advocated for “highly targeted actions” against Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders, urging the US to support democratic reforms. These pleas reflect growing frustration with Tehran’s resistance to change amid decades of authoritarian governance.

Analysts warn that US military involvement could backfire, potentially unifying Iranians against external interference and complicating Washington’s regional alliances. As protests continue to challenge the regime, the mutual threats risk pushing the longstanding US-Iran rivalry toward a dangerous brink, with global implications for stability in the Middle East.

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