'Micro-drone might hit him': Khamenei's adviser jokes about killing Trump; US President shrugs it off
The remark was made by Mohammad-Javad Larijani during a televised discussion on Iranian military technology.
Larijani, a prominent regime figure and ally of Khamenei, laughed as 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.' The comments aired on July 9 and were first reported by Iran International, a London-based Persian-language news outlet.
Larijani, known for his ties to the regime and as a prominent commentator, laughed while making the remark during a discussion on Iran's advanced military capabilities.
The quote was reported by Iran International, a London-based Persian-language media network. The outlet linked Larijani's comments to a rising online campaign named "Blood Pact," which is reportedly fundraising for revenge against individuals perceived as insulting or threatening Iran's Supreme Leader.
The timing of Larijani's remarks has added to speculation that Tehran may be planning retaliation against the United States, particularly in light of recent American airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities in June, reportedly carried out in coordination with Israel to hinder Iran's nuclear programme.
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Iran's drone warfare capabilities have become a growing concern for the West, with its Shahed drones having been deployed extensively by Russia in its war against Ukraine, causing widespread damage to civilian infrastructure. During the broadcast, Larijani highlighted Iran's military tech edge, stating, 'Of course, we fight like men,' suggesting that despite the remark, Iran adheres to conventional warfare standards.
When asked for comment, the United States Secret Service (USSS) issued a statement saying it does not discuss specific protective intelligence matters. '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,' the USSS spokesperson added.
President Donald Trump, when asked about the threat during a press interaction at the White House on Wednesday, appeared unbothered.
'It's been a long time. I don't know, maybe I was around seven or so. I'm not too big into it,' Trump said when asked if he still sunbathed. 'I guess it's a threat. I'm not sure it's a threat, actually, but perhaps it is.'
Larijani's comment, 'As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It's very simple,' was made in reference to Iran's evolving drone capabilities. He also justified the remark as symbolic, even as Iranian online platforms and media outlets have published content glorifying acts of retribution.
Trump, who authorised the January 2020 drone strike in Iraq that killed Iranian IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, has been the target of multiple alleged Iranian assassination plots since. In November 2023, the US Department of Justice charged Farhad Shakeri, believed to be working with the Iranian regime, for attempting to coordinate an attack on Trump. Two American men, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, were also arrested as alleged co-conspirators.
Iran had also previously released a controversial animated video in 2022 depicting Trump being assassinated on a golf course. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the video won a state-sponsored animation contest held under the theme of avenging Soleimani's killing.
Though Iran agreed to a Trump-brokered ceasefire with Israel 48 hours after the June strikes, its retaliation has so far been largely symbolic. Tehran reportedly launched a missile volley toward a US military base in Qatar, providing advance warning that allowed American personnel to evacuate.
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