US tracks Iran's threat to officials amid rising tensions

The US government is actively monitoring ongoing threats posed by Iran against both current and former officials, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. This includes specific threats against former President Donald Trump, which have been described as real and specific, raising alarm among law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The threats are believed to be linked to Iran's desire for revenge following the US airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. In response to these threats, there has been a significant increase in online activity from Iranian accounts, which has further heightened security concerns among US officials. Trump was briefed on these threats by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which acknowledged the potential for assassination attempts aimed at destabilizing the US. As a precautionary measure, former officials from the Trump administration have been provided with enhanced security since leaving their positions. Additionally, Congress has taken steps to ensure that Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris receive the same level of Secret Service protection as current officials, reflecting the gravity of the threats they face. The Senate's unanimous passage of a bill to guarantee this protection underscores the bipartisan recognition of the risks involved. Furthermore, Congress is considering additional funding for the Secret Service to bolster security measures ahead of a critical government funding deadline.