Iran’s president denies claim that Iran tried to assassinate Trump

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vehemently denied any involvement in a plot to assassinate President-elect Trump, stating firmly that his country “never” planned such an act and has no intention to do so in the future. Pezeshkian made these remarks during an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt in Tehran, responding to claims by U.S. intelligence authorities that Iran was exploring the possibility of targeting Trump prior to Election Day.

“This is another one of those schemes that Israel and other countries are using to stoke fear of Iran. Iran has never made any attempts to assassinate anyone, and I am not aware of any such plans,” Pezeshkian stated.

When pressed by Holt on whether there was ever a plot to kill Trump, Pezeshkian emphatically replied, “None whatsoever. We have never attempted this, nor do we have any plans to do so in the future.”

These statements come at a time when Trump’s incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, has called for a reinstatement of the policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran. Kellogg emphasized the need for global support in standing with the Iranian people in their quest for democracy.

Kellogg also highlighted the potential danger of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, describing it as the most destabilizing event for the Middle East. He noted that President Trump had withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, despite opposition from some members of his administration, and imposed severe economic sanctions on Iran.

As Trump prepares to begin his second term in office, Kellogg’s remarks underscore the ongoing threat posed by Iran in a region already plagued by conflicts, including the recent terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

It is evident that Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities will continue to be a major concern for the incoming administration. The need for a strong stance against Iran’s destabilizing behavior is clear, and the international community must work together to address these challenges effectively.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.