Key facts
- Iran's Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei denied a report about a plot to assassinate Barron Trump.
- The U.S. Secret Service is aware of a video broadcast by Iranian state media discussing the threat.
- The video referenced Barron Trump's study locations and Trump Tower.
- The video suggested a $10 million reward for efforts against Barron Trump.
- Iran has previously issued threats against Donald Trump and his family.
Iran's Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei has denied reports of a potential plot to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump. Rezaei stated the report was a lie in an interview broadcast by Lebanon's Al Manar TV.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed it was aware of a video aired by Iranian state media that appeared to discuss a threat against Barron Trump. Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring stated they investigate anything perceived as a threat toward their protectees, but declined to discuss operational security details.
According to Iran International, the nearly three-minute video, which began with a graphic reading "Where to Kill Barron Trump," described efforts to surveil the President's son. The video referenced locations such as his place of study and Trump Tower, and suggested a $10 million reward. TIME could not independently verify the claims made in the video.
The segment aired on state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which operates under the Supreme Leader's control. This follows a similar video released in July by the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency that focused on First Lady Melania Trump and ended with the words, "Barron Trump, wait for us!"
Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened Donald Trump since he ordered the airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in early 2020. Threats intensified after U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February allegedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei vowing revenge. Images depicting the deaths of Trump and his family have appeared in Iranian calls for retribution, including a mural in Tehran and a billboard in Enqelab Square.