Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran at a campaign event in North Carolina, stating that if reelected and Iran threatened a candidate, he would respond by leveling Iran’s largest cities. His remarks followed a briefing from intelligence officials on alleged assassination threats from the country.

The Hill reported that Trump promised harsh retaliation against Iran if any threats to political candidates occurred under his administration.

During his speech, Trump expressed frustration with current U.S. leadership and emphasized the need for decisive action against foreign threats, focusing particularly on Iran and its perceived hostility toward him as a leading political figure.

Trump Discusses Assassination Attempts

The former president referenced two assassination attempts targeting him this year: one at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July and another at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, earlier in September.

Although the suspects were U.S. citizens, Trump speculated that Iran could be behind these attempts, though he acknowledged he was not certain. "As you know, there have been two assassination attempts on my life that we know of, and they may or may not involve, but possibly do Iran, but I don’t really know," Trump said during his speech.

He also reiterated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Iran had previously made failed moves against him but would likely attempt them again.

Iran's President Visits U.S. Amid Tensions

Trump delivered his warnings during a week when Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, visited the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He expressed anger at the situation, noting the large security detail provided for Pezeshkian while reports suggested that threats were being made against him, a former U.S. president and leading presidential candidate.

"Meanwhile, we have the president of Iran in our country this week, we have large security forces guarding him, and yet they’re threatening our former president and the leading candidate to become the next president of the United States," Trump told the crowd.

Congress Advances Secret Service Legislation

Trump thanked members of Congress from both parties for passing legislation to strengthen his Secret Service protection in response to the alleged threats. The Senate advanced the bill earlier this week after the House passed it, and the legislation now awaits President Biden’s signature.

The Secret Service is increasing resources amid growing concerns about the safety of political candidates, particularly Trump, as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.

Trump Criticizes Current Leadership

Trump also criticized the Biden administration, accusing it of lacking the leadership needed to address national security threats effectively. "But right now, we don’t have that leadership or the necessary people, the necessary leaders," he said, positioning himself as the leader who would take stronger action.

His comments about Iran partly reflected broader concerns about his safety as a candidate, as he continues to describe facing "continued and coordinated" threats from the Middle Eastern nation.

Iran Accused Of Threats Against Trump

Trump's campaign maintains that the threats from Iran are not new, pointing to past rhetoric and alleged plots aimed at undermining his chances in the upcoming election.

His campaign underscored the seriousness of these threats in a statement, claiming that Iran is coordinating efforts to target Trump, especially as the 2024 election approaches.

Although Trump has not provided concrete evidence directly linking the two assassination attempts to Iran, his statements have amplified concerns among his supporters about potential foreign interference in the upcoming election.

North Carolina Event Highlights Economic Policy

Trump made comments on Iran during a broader campaign event at the Mosack Group facility in Mint Hill, North Carolina, where he promoted his economic policies and outlined his plan to support U.S. manufacturers through tariffs.

Polls in North Carolina show a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with both candidates vying for the state’s pivotal electoral votes. Trump continued his effort to secure support in battleground states, where the election's outcome may be decided.

Trump's speech in North Carolina reflected his dual focus on national security and economic issues, as he aimed to draw a sharp contrast between his leadership style and that of the current administration.