Iranian President Denies Trump Assassination Allegations, Calls for a Focus on Peace

Department of Research, Studies and International News 15-01-2025

Interview Comes Ahead of Trump’s Return to Office Amid Tensions with Tehran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly dismissed allegations that his country was involved in plotting the assassination of United States President-elect Donald Trump, following two attempts on Trump’s life earlier in 2024. Speaking in an interview aired by NBC News on Tuesday, Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran’s intentions are peaceful, particularly concerning its nuclear program, and cautioned Trump against actions that could lead to conflict.

The timing of the interview, just days before Trump’s inauguration, adds to the intrigue. During his previous tenure, Trump adopted a hardline stance against Iran, including withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement. Pezeshkian, considered a centrist figure in Iran’s political landscape, used the opportunity to clarify Iran’s position on various issues that have fueled tensions between Tehran and Washington.

“We have never made any attempts to assassinate Mr. Trump, nor will we ever,” Pezeshkian stated unequivocally. His remarks come in the wake of recent charges filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against an Iranian individual. The charges allege that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite branch of Iran’s military, orchestrated a plot to target Trump. However, U.S. authorities intervened before any harm could be done.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump suggested that Iran might have been linked to efforts to take his life. These allegations stemmed from two separate incidents: one in September at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, and another during a rally in Pennsylvania in July. Despite these claims, investigators have found no credible evidence tying Iran to either attempt. Iranian officials, including Pezeshkian, have consistently denied accusations of meddling in U.S. domestic affairs, whether through cyber activities or other means.

Pezeshkian used the interview to reaffirm that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful and reiterated that Tehran has no interest in pursuing nuclear weaponry. His remarks are particularly significant given the heightened scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear ambitions during Trump’s first term, which saw the United States withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Trump, during his recent campaign, hinted at the possibility of military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, with Israel also being floated as a potential actor in such operations. In response, Pezeshkian stressed the importance of dialogue over conflict. “Our preference is peace, not war,” he said. “However, we are prepared to respond to any aggression if necessary.”

Addressing the possibility of renewed talks with Trump, Pezeshkian expressed openness to dialogue but voiced concerns over trust. “The issue isn’t the dialogue itself,” he explained. “The real challenge lies in ensuring that commitments arising from such talks are honored. Unfortunately, in past negotiations, it was the other party that failed to uphold their promises.”

In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted ongoing discussions with European nations aimed at reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. According to Araghchi, these talks indicate a genuine willingness on the part of European powers to seek a resolution.

As Trump prepares to return to office, the dynamics between the United States and Iran remain fraught with tension. Pezeshkian’s measured tone and emphasis on peace signal Tehran’s desire to avoid escalation, but the path forward remains uncertain. Whether the two nations can move past their differences and engage in constructive dialogue will likely shape the geopolitical landscape in the coming years.