Trump Addresses Potential Retaliation Against Iran for Assassination Threat

Former President Donald Trump indicated he has issued standing orders for the U.S. military relating to Iran. Speaking during an interview with Newsmax, Trump stated the military would respond "at levels they've never seen before" if Iran acts on past threats to assassinate him.

Trump described his directive during the interview. He outlined the circumstances under which the orders would activate, connecting them to any Iranian attempt on his life. However, he clarified that Senator J.D. Vance would ultimately make the decision regarding such a military action.

"The order is in. If they do anything to me, it's going to be something that will happen to them that they've never seen before," Trump stated. He then added, "But [J.D.] Vance is going to be in charge of it, so it's going to be fair."

Iran has previously made public statements regarding potential retaliation for the 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani. Officials within the Iranian government have indicated a desire for retribution for Soleimani's death, which occurred in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. These statements have at times included threats against former U.S. officials, including Trump.

Trump identified Senator Vance, a Republican from Ohio, as the individual who would oversee the implementation of his standing orders. Vance has served in the U.S. Senate since 2023. His potential role in such a scenario involves evaluating and authorizing military action in response to an alleged assassination.

The former president did not provide details on the specific nature or scope of these standing orders. He also did not elaborate on the legal or procedural mechanisms through which a former president's directives would remain active or be executed by current military command or a senator.