U.S. Officials Announce Elimination of Iranian Figure Linked to Alleged Assassination Plot Against Trump

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces recently killed an Iranian commander who U.S. officials claim was linked to a 2024 plot targeting Donald Trump. Speaking at a briefing, Hegseth said the strike occurred during the joint U.S.–Israel military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, though officials did not release the individual’s identity and emphasized the operation mainly targets Iran’s military infrastructure.

Hegseth also said the broader air campaign has struck hundreds of Iranian targets, including missile and drone capabilities, as the U.S. and Israel seek to gain air superiority over Iran. The Pentagon warned the conflict could continue for weeks amid ongoing Iranian retaliation across the region. While U.S. officials say a suspect tied to a plot against Trump was killed, independent confirmation of a direct assassination attempt has not been publicly detailed.