Iranian Regime Denies Trump Assassination Plot Amid Ongoing Threats of Retribution for Soleimani Killing
Executive Summary
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denied claims of Iranian involvement in plotting to assassinate U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Despite this, U.S. authorities charged an IRGC-linked operative in November 2024 with planning Trump’s assassination. Iranian regime-affiliated media and officials continue to suggest retribution for the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed IRGC Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani. These events unfold as Iran signals a willingness to negotiate with the U.S., while simultaneously deepening ties with Russia and navigating internal dissent over potential rapprochement with the West.
Analysis
President Pezeshkian’s statements underscore Iran’s attempt to manage its international image while avoiding escalations with the U.S. However, his denial contrasts starkly with statements from Iranian hardline outlets, such as Kayhan, which explicitly call for retribution against Trump for Soleimani’s killing. The IRGC’s alleged orchestration of assassination plots reinforces its intent to avenge Soleimani, a mission openly celebrated in regime narratives.
This contradiction highlights the dual approach of the Iranian government: engaging in public diplomacy while maintaining its hardline rhetoric and covert operations. Meanwhile, U.S. officials, including incoming Trump administration figures, advocate a return to “maximum pressure” on Iran, focusing on its nuclear ambitions and regional activities.
Further complicating the situation are Iran’s economic challenges and strategic realignments. With a new partnership treaty signed between Iran and Russia, Tehran seeks to bolster its economic and military support networks, circumventing Western sanctions and maintaining its regional influence. Domestically, mixed sentiments among Iranian leaders and public reflect tensions between engagement with the West and resistance to perceived capitulations.
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