As the 2020 presidential election heats up, a new book has shed light on a chilling revelation that has left many wondering: did Iran’s government threaten to assassinate President Donald Trump during his campaign trail? The shocking claims made in the book, “The Iran Crisis,” have sparked a frenzy of speculation and concern, with many experts warning that the threats were more serious than previously reported.
In the aftermath of the 2019 drone strike that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the world was left reeling in the face of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. But a new book by journalist and author, Gareth Porter, claims that the situation was even more dire than previously thought.
Threats Against Trump
Axios reporter Isaac Isenstadt’s upcoming book, “Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power,” claims that law enforcement officials warned Trump in 2024 that Iran had placed operatives in the U.S. with access to surface-to-air missiles and that Trump’s orbit worried Iran would try to take out “Trump Force One” as it was taking off or landing while on the campaign trail.
Assassination Attempts
The reported threats and concern of Iran’s threats against Trump hit a fever pitch in September 2024, when a second assassination attempt was thwarted at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, the book claims.
Isenstadt reported that his book is based on his conversations with Trump’s “inner circle during his campaign.”
Warning from Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officials warned Trump about Iran’s operatives in the US with access to surface-to-air missiles.
Trump’s Response
Trump said while signing an executive order imposing maximum pressure on Tehran earlier in February that he left special instructions if something were to happen to him.
“That would be a terrible thing for them to do,” Trump said on Feb. 4 of Iran potentially attempting to assassinate him.
“If they did that, they would be obliterated. That would be the end.… There won’t be anything left.”
Campaign Trail Chaos
Decoy Planes and Secret Service
Trump’s security detail responded to the threats, including using decoy planes and separating the co-chairs of the campaign.
The co-chairs of the campaign at the time, current chief of staff Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, split up, with Wiles traveling with Trump on the decoy plane and LaCivita on Trump Force One.
“The boss ain’t riding with us today,” LaCivita reportedly told staffers on the flight.
“We had to put him into another plane. This is nothing but a sort of test for how things may happen in the future.”
Stress and Fear among Staff
Staffers on Trump Force One reportedly worried they would be “collateral damage” if the plane had been taken down, the book alleges.
Three aides told Isenstadt that the flight was packed with “gallows humor galore” as staffers reportedly realized the severity of an alleged threat, dubbing the trip as the “Ghost Flight” and remarking the alleged threat was “some serious s—.”
Implications and Analysis
Iran’s Motivations
What might have driven Iran to make these threats, and what does it say about their relationship with Trump?
Trump survived two assassination attempts while on the campaign trail in 2024, including the Pennsylvania attempt that left him with an injury to his ear as suspect Thomas Crooks opened fire on the crowd of Trump supporters in July.
Trump’s Actions and Reactions
How Trump’s decisions and statements have affected the situation, including his warnings against Iran and his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.
National Security Consequences
The potential consequences for national security and international relations if these threats are allowed to persist.
Practical Aspects and Next Steps
Secret Service Response
How the Secret Service has responded to the threats, including their warnings and actions to protect Trump.
Trump’s Campaign Security
The measures Trump’s campaign has taken to ensure the safety of the president and his staff.
Ongoing Tensions
The future of the situation and what steps need to be taken to de-escalate tensions between Trump and Iran.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the latest book by a renowned journalist has shed new light on the often-overlooked threats made by Iran’s leaders against Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. The book reveals that these threats were more serious and widespread than previously reported, with senior Iranian officials publicly stating their intention to target the then-candidate if he won the election. This alarming development highlights the precarious nature of international relations during times of political upheaval and the need for heightened vigilance in the face of rising tensions.
The significance of this revelation cannot be overstated, as it underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential risks involved. The fact that Iran’s leaders were willing to make such explicit threats against a sitting president-elect raises questions about the stability of the global political landscape and the ability of leaders to navigate complex diplomatic relationships. As the world grapples with the consequences of these actions, it is imperative that we acknowledge the severity of the situation and work towards de-escalating tensions to prevent further conflict.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the toxic rhetoric and aggressive posturing that has become all too common in international politics. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more stable and peaceful world, where the threats made by nations are not taken lightly and the consequences of such actions are carefully considered. As we stand at the precipice of a new era of global politics, it is our duty to learn from the past and work towards a brighter future, where the threats made by nations are met with collective resolve and determination.