Former President Donald Trump was briefed by U.S. intelligence officials about threats from Iran to assassinate him, according to a spokesperson for the Trump campaign. The briefing highlighted real and specific threats aimed at destabilizing and causing chaos in the United States. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence confirmed the briefing but did not provide specifics. The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not respond to requests for comment.
Earlier this year, the Secret Service increased security around Trump after receiving intelligence about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate him, though no connection was found to an attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. The Iranian mission dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated and malicious. Following those incidents, there was a second apparent attempt on Trump’s life in Florida.
In response to these threats, the Senate passed a bill to provide major presidential candidates with the same level of protection as the President, a measure that now awaits President Biden’s signature. The Trump campaign statement came on the same day as the Senate vote, emphasizing the need for increased protection. Trump had previously mentioned refusing intel briefings to avoid being accused of leaks, but it was not clear if he had resumed regular briefings. The spokesperson for the campaign did not provide further comment.
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