In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian categorically denied allegations that Iran plotted to assassinate U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, dismissing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
Iran Pushes Back Against Assassination Allegations
The denial follows charges from the U.S. Justice Department in November, accusing an Iranian national of conspiring with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps to orchestrate an assassination attempt on Trump. The alleged plot was reportedly thwarted before any attack could be carried out.
When asked directly about the allegations, Pezeshkian was unequivocal.
“None whatsoever,” he said. “We have never attempted this to begin with, and we never will.”
Trump’s Survival of Assassination Attempts
The president-elect, who will take office on Monday, survived two assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign. In September, an attack was thwarted while Trump was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. A second attempt occurred in July during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
U.S. investigators have found no evidence linking Iran to either incident, yet Trump has repeatedly implied Tehran’s involvement, further heightening tensions between the two nations.
Iran’s History of Denial and Accusations
This is not the first time Tehran has denied allegations from the U.S. government. Iran has long rejected claims of interference in American affairs, including cyberattacks and election meddling.
Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s perspective that Washington has been the aggressor in their bilateral history.
“The U.S. has interfered in Iran’s affairs for decades, from the 1953 coup against our government to the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020,” he said, referring to the killing of Iran’s top military commander in a U.S. drone strike.
Ongoing Strained Relations
The accusations and denials add another layer of strain to the already fraught U.S.-Iran relationship. Trump has consistently taken a hardline stance against Iran, accusing the country of destabilizing the Middle East and sponsoring terrorism.
Despite these tensions, Pezeshkian expressed hope for improved relations under Trump’s presidency, albeit with skepticism.
“We look forward to dialogue, but respect must be mutual,” he said.