Iran's president denies assassination plot against Trump

In an interview conducted in Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran has never planned to kill Donald Trump during his presidential campaign nor does it intend to carry out such actions in the future. This statement comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. The interview, broadcast on NBC News, marked Pezeshkian's first interaction with foreign media since assuming office in July 2021. Pezeshkian elaborated that Iran's adversaries often create narratives of a threat from Iran to promote 'Iranophobia,' which he argued is a scheme by Israel and others to undermine Iranian governance. Furthermore, Pezeshkian dismissed the accusations made by the United States regarding alleged assassination plots as unfounded and emphasized his country’s commitment to dialogue rather than violence. He maintained that Iran has complied with all its commitments in past negotiations, and despite setbacks due to foreign interference, Iran remains stable and secure at home. The Iranian president's remarks followed charges brought against an Iranian individual in the U.S. for allegedly collaborating on a murder-for-hire plot aimed at Trump, raising serious questions about regional security and escalating diplomatic disputes. Pezeshkian argued that the narrative crafted around potential threats from Iran is used to justify aggressive foreign policies against the nation and hopes for a peaceful resolution to current tensions. His call for dialogue highlights a potential avenue for future discussions between Iran and the wider international community, particularly in the face of ongoing instability in the region. However, he stated that Iran does not fear conflict, emphasizing that it seeks peace and stability over war.