US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States had killed the leader of a group it says tried to assassinate Donald Trump, adding that the person had been added to a wider list of targets.
“Yesterday, the leader of the unit that attempted to assassinate President Trump was hunted down and killed,” Hegseth said. “Iran tried to kill President Trump and President Trump got the last laugh.”
He did not give operational details of the strike.
Decision on the list of objectives, but not the primary mission
Hegseth said those alleged to be linked to the assassination were not the primary targets of the campaign.
“Although it wasn’t the focus of the effort by any stretch of the imagination … I made sure and others made sure that those who were responsible for it ended up being part of the target list,” he said.
He emphasized that the primary military target remains Iran’s missile systems.
“It was not a priority of the American effort … which was mainly focused on removing missiles and launchers in Iran,” he added.
Use of the air attack option
Hegseth said the US acted when the opportunity presented itself.
“But ultimately, if we have an opportunity to get to those who are trying to get specifically to America, we would do that, and so we ended up having the opportunity to do it from the air,” he said.
He did not provide any further details about the identity of the individual or the timing of the operation.
Background to the alleged Iranian plot
In recent days, Trump has referred to an alleged Iranian assassination plot in 2024, which Iran has denied.
According to reports cited by US officials, intelligence gathered during the Biden administration in July 2024 prompted increased security measures around Trump. Officials reportedly said there was no evidence linking the alleged Iranian plot to a separate assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Investigators said the suspect in the incident acted alone.
Enhanced security for former officials
U.S. officials have previously confirmed that several former national security officials have been given enhanced protection because of ongoing threats.
These discussions stem from long-standing tensions following the 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
No other operational details
Hegseth declined to provide further details about the strike or intelligence to support the claim.
Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in assassinations of American officials.
The Pentagon has not released other evidence publicly.
