Chicago January 15, 2025
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has categorically denied that his country ever plotted to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump. In an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, Pezeshkian stated, “We have never attempted this to begin with, and we never will.” He also described accusations of an Iranian plot as “schemes by foreigners” designed to promote “Iranophobia”.
Pezeshkian’s statement comes amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has called for a return to the policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran. Kellogg warned that Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon would be the most destabilizing event for the Middle East.
The US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing economic sanctions. While some countries, including Israel, supported the move, others, such as the UK, France, and Germany, urged the US to remain committed to the deal.
Pezeshkian’s denial of a plot to assassinate Trump is the latest development in the complex relationship between the US and Iran. As Trump prepares to take office for his second term, his administration’s approach to Iran will be closely watched.
