In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vehemently denied any involvement in a plot to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump. He stressed Iran's commitment to peaceful dialogue but expressed concerns about the U.S.'s past actions and intentions.
Iran has categorically denied any involvement in a plot to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2020 election campaign. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated this emphatically in an exclusive interview with NBC News' Lester Holt conducted in Tehran. When questioned about allegations of a plot outlined by U.S.
authorities, Pezeshkian asserted that this was another fabrication designed to fuel anti-Iran sentiment, emphasizing that Iran has never attempted, nor does it intend to, assassinate anyone. He firmly declared that there was never an Iranian plot to kill Trump and pledged that Iran would never engage in such an act. This interview marks Pezeshkian's first conversation with foreign media since the U.S. presidential election. The interview was conducted with a government interpreter present, translating in real time. NBC News independently reviewed the translation and relied on it where discrepancies existed. Notably, in November 2020, the U.S. Justice Department charged an Iranian man with participating in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Trump when he was the Republican presidential candidate. Two other individuals were charged for allegedly plotting to assassinate an Iranian American journalist and activist who has criticized Iran's treatment of women. U.S. authorities linked these plots to Iran's desire to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian general killed in a U.S. drone strike ordered by Trump in 2020.In mid-October 2020, Iran conveyed a message through Swiss diplomats, assuring the U.S. that it would not attempt to kill Trump, according to a U.S. official. However, both U.S. and European governments maintain that Iran has, for years, sought to silence Iranian critics residing abroad. The United Kingdom summoned Iran's top diplomat in London last year after Tehran targeted Iranian journalists based in Britain, culminating in a stabbing attack on one journalist, which the U.K. blamed on Iran. Tehran vehemently denies these accusations. Pezeshkian, who has positioned himself as a moderate within Iran's political landscape, indicated that Iran is open to dialogue with the U.S., but stressed that the U.S. has not fulfilled its past commitments and has attempted to overthrow the Iranian government. He expressed concern that the U.S. seeks to destabilize Iran rather than resolve issues. Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's consistent adherence to its commitments during past nuclear negotiations, unlike the U.S., which he accused of failing to keep its promises. While advocating for peaceful solutions, Pezeshkian stated that Iran would defend itself against any attack on its nuclear sites, asserting that Iran does not seek war but will not shy away from it if necessary. He urged against military action, warning of its detrimental consequences for all parties involved. Pezeshkian dismissed accusations that Iran is developing nuclear weapons as a fabrication designed to justify potential military intervention.
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