Trump says Iran would be ‘wiped the off face of this earth’ if something happens to him

THE HILL-Jan 21st2026

by Ryan Mancini –

President Trump on Tuesday warned Iran that continued assassination threats made by leaders in Tehran would be met with the country getting “blown up.”

“Well, they shouldn’t be doing it but I’ve left notification,” Trump told NewsNation’s Katie Pavlich on “Katie Pavlich Tonight.” “Anything ever happens, we’re going to blow the whole — the whole country’s going to get blown up.”

Biden-era Intelligence officials briefed Trump about the alleged threats against him during his presidential campaign in 2024. Former Attorney General Merrick Garland said the plot was retaliation for the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani by the U.S. in 2020, during Trump’s first administration.

Despite being briefed by his administration, Trump on Tuesday said President Biden “should have said something” on the matter, adding that presidents should defend each other on such matters.

“But I have very firm instructions,” Trump continued. “Anything happens they’re going to wipe them off the face of this earth.”

Trump previously said he left instructions to destroy Iran should the country assassinate him. The president made the remark after signing an executive order just after taking office giving him all the possible tools to engage with Iran’s government and apply maximum pressure on Tehran.

“They haven’t done that and that would be a terrible thing for them to do,” Trump said at the time. “Not because of me — if they did that, they would be obliterated. That would be the end. I’ve left instructions, if they do it, they get obliterated, there won’t be anything left. And, they shouldn’t be able to do it.”

The president has warned that an attack on Iran is on the table after weeks of antigovernment protests resulted in more than 3,300 deaths following clashes with Iran’s security forces. Trump has also warned of military action if more demonstrators are executed but in recent days has said that he’s been told the killings have stopped.

Rsadmore on original:

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5697870-trump-iran-assassination-threats/