The United States military announced that it killed an Iranian official linked to an alleged plot to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to statements made by the U.S. Secretary of Defense during a press briefing.
Pete Hegseth, speaking to reporters, said the individual led a unit connected to an assassination attempt targeting Donald Trump.
“The leader of the unit that tried to kill President Trump has been tracked down and killed. Iran attempted to kill President Trump, and President Trump had the last laugh,” Hegseth said.
He emphasized that neutralizing this figure was not the original focus of the broader military operation, but officials ensured that those responsible for the alleged plot were eventually placed on the target list.
According to the Pentagon, the operation took place on Tuesday, although Hegseth did not disclose the identity of the Iranian official killed during the strike.
Background of the Alleged Plot
The announcement follows earlier legal action in the United States. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice charged an Iranian man in connection with an alleged assassination plan that prosecutors said was ordered by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The developments come amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, which have intensified alongside the broader conflict unfolding in the Middle East in recent days.
Officials in Washington have indicated that operations targeting individuals linked to threats against U.S. leaders remain part of broader security and counterterrorism efforts.
