Former President Donald Trump appeared unfazed by a bold remark from an Iranian official suggesting he could be targeted while lounging at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The statement came from Mohammad-Javad Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, during a broadcast discussing Iran’s military capabilities.
Larijani’s Suggestion of a Drone Strike
Speaking on Iranian television on July 9, Larijani joked about the idea of targeting Trump unexpectedly. He said, “Trump can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago, because while he’s lying down, a micro-drone might target and strike him right in the navel.”
Though the tone was partly humorous, Larijani followed up by implying that Iran would never actually act in such a way, adding, “Of course, we fight like men.”
Trump’s Reaction: ‘Not Too Big Into It’
The comment reached Trump during an interview with Fox News, when host Peter Doocy brought it up by asking when Trump last went sunbathing.
“It’s been a long time,” Trump replied. “I don’t know, maybe I was around seven or so. I’m not too big into it.”
He went on to downplay Larijani’s remark entirely, stating, “I guess it’s a threat. I’m sure it’s not a threat, actually, but perhaps it is,” brushing it off without showing concern.
Tensions Rise After U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
The Iranian adviser’s comment came shortly after Trump publicly stated he would be open to attacking Iran again if necessary. This follows U.S. strikes in June that targeted three major Iranian nuclear facilities.
When asked by a reporter if he would consider future airstrikes should Iran resume high-level uranium enrichment, Trump didn’t hesitate: “Sure, without question, absolutely – it has to be unbelievable.”
He added that both Iran and Israel are worn out from ongoing tensions. “They’re exhausted,” Trump said. “And Israel’s exhausted too. And I dealt with both of them, and they both wanted it settled – both of them – and we did a great job. But they’re exhausted. The last thing they’re thinking about right now is nuclear. You know what they’re thinking of? They’re thinking about tomorrow, trying to live.”
Secret Service Response to the Threat
In response to Larijani’s comments, a spokesperson for the United States Secret Service told Newsweek they could not address specific protective measures or intelligence details. However, they assured that “we operate in a heightened and very dynamic threat environment, and the safety and security of the President and all of our protectees remains our highest priority.”