Donald Trump issues assassination warning as he claims Iran making 'real and specific threats'
Donald Trump makes a campaign speech at the Johnny Mercer Theatre Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia
Reuters
Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has made "real and specific threats" to assassinate him, according to a statement from his campaign.
The former US president was reportedly briefed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence about the alleged threats, which are said to be aimed at destabilising the United States.
Trump took to social media to warn: "Big threats on my life by Iran. The entire US Military is watching and waiting. Moves were already made by Iran that didn't work out, but they will try again."
The Republican presidential candidate added that he is now "surrounded by more men, guns, and weapons than I have ever seen before".
Donald Trump makes a campaign speech at the Johnny Mercer Theatre Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia
Reuters
Trump's campaign has highlighted that these alleged threats have "heightened in the past few months". This comes amid recent security incidents involving the former president.
On July 13, Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, where he was wounded and another person was killed.
More recently, on September 15, a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle near Trump's Florida golf course, leading to gunfire. Ryan Wesley Routh has been charged with attempted assassination of a presidential candidate in connection with this incident.
Despite these events, there has been no confirmed link to Iranian involvement in either case. US authorities are investigating both incidents separately.
LATEST IN THE RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE 2024
A bullet struck Donald Trump's right ear during an assassination attempt
GETTY
Ryan W. Routh poses in a jail booking photograph in Greensboro, North Carolina on February 10, 2010.
Reuters
Iran has consistently denied involvement in any assassination plots or interference in US affairs.
The Iranian mission to the UN previously dismissed allegations of an assassination plot as "unsubstantiated and malicious". However, tensions between Iran and the US remain high, particularly in light of recent events in Lebanon and Gaza.
Israel has been conducting a bombing campaign against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, a group backed by Tehran alongside the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This has increased international pressure on Iran to reduce tensions in the region.
The US has also accused Iran of hacking Trump's campaign, alleging attempts to influence the upcoming presidential election. Neither Iranian officials nor the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have commented on the latest allegations.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris
Reuters
Recent polling has shown Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris in key swing states. A New York Times/Siena College poll indicates Trump is ahead in Arizona (50 per cent to 45 per cent), Georgia (49 per cent to 45 per cent), and North Carolina (49 per cent to 47 per cent).
However, a CNN/SSRS poll presents a tighter race nationally, with Harris at 48 per cent and Trump at 47 per cent.
The economy remains the top issue for voters in these battleground states, with 55 per cent believing Trump would manage it better. Trump holds strong leads among men and older voters, while Harris performs well with women, younger voters, and college-educated individuals.
Democrats are reportedly concerned that pollsters may be underestimating Trump's support, echoing the 2016 and 2020 elections where he outperformed predictions in crucial states.